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Lawmakers introduce bill to ban superintelligence, ABC News reports

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar are proposing a ban on artificial superintelligence and the creation of a Department of Artificial Intelligence, according to ABC News.

The short version

  • Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar unveiled legislation to permanently ban artificial superintelligence and establish a federal agency to oversee advanced AI.[ABC News]
  • The measure would pause advanced AI development until federal safety rules are set, requiring federal approval before deployment, with violations carrying penalties up to 20 years in prison.[ABC News]
  • While supported by several tech industry researchers, the proposal faces long odds in a Republican-controlled Congress.[ABC News]

Key facts

  • Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced legislation to permanently prohibit artificial superintelligence and establish a Department of Artificial Intelligence.[ABC News]
  • The proposal defines artificial superintelligence as systems that surpass human cognitive abilities or possess the capability to plan and execute humanity's destruction or disempowerment.[ABC News]
  • The bill mandates a temporary pause on advanced AI development until federal safety standards are set, with subsequent deployments requiring government approval.[ABC News]
  • Violations of the proposed legislation could lead to prison sentences of up to 20 years in certain cases.[ABC News]
  • Researchers and software engineers from companies including OpenAI and Google DeepMind have voiced support for the measure.[ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The passage of the bill remains uncertain due to significant opposition in the Republican-controlled Congress.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.