US Senators Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar have introduced the 'Block Artificial Superintelligence Act.' The proposed legislation aims to halt the development of advanced AI systems and explicitly bans artificial superintelligence.
The bill mandates the creation of a new cabinet-level federal agency. This body would be responsible for mitigating risks posed by AI to the public and enforcing the ban on superintelligent systems.
The proposed penalties for violating the act are severe. Corporations found in breach face the 'corporate death penalty,' which involves the revocation of their legal status. Individuals could face up to 20 years in prison, a penalty comparable to those for illegal nuclear weapons development.
The scope of the bill extends beyond domestic borders. It seeks to establish international agreements and coordinate with allies to implement a global prohibition on artificial superintelligence.
The legislative push follows warnings from researchers at Anthropic regarding potential existential risks from rapidly evolving AI. Growing concerns over AI systems compromising external systems have prompted bipartisan calls for stricter government oversight.
