Bernie Sanders Moves to Ban AI Superintelligence. His New Bill Would Create a Federal Department of AI.

Sanders introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act on Wednesday, arguing that the rapid development of increasingly capable AI systems is moving faster than the government's ability to oversee them. (Credit: Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar have introduced one of Washington's most sweeping attempts to regulate artificial intelligence, proposing a permanent ban on artificial superintelligence, a temporary halt to advanced AI development, and the creation of a cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence.

The Vermont Independent and Texas Democrat introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, arguing that the rapid development of increasingly capable AI systems is moving faster than the government's ability to oversee them. "When you are racing towards a cliff, you don't just ease up on the gas pedal. You hit the brakes," Sanders said when announcing the legislation.