Sanders wants to ban superintelligence with 20-year prison terms

A new bill would criminalize developing artificial superintelligence and pause advanced AI research until a government agency can oversee it.

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Sep 23, 2026

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Sanders wants to ban superintelligence with 20-year prison terms

A new bill would criminalize developing artificial superintelligence and pause advanced AI research until a government agency can oversee it.

In brief

A new bill would criminalize developing artificial superintelligence and pause advanced AI research until a government agency can oversee it. Bernie Sanders is proposing criminal penalties up to 20 years in prison for developing superintelligence, reflecting growing fears about uncontrolled AI development. Originally…

Sanders introduces superintelligence ban

US-POLITICS-AI

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced legislation that would ban developing artificial superintelligence and impose up to 20 years in prison for violations.

“When you are racing towards a cliff, you don't just ease up on the gas pedal. You hit the brakes.”

Bill also pauses advanced AI development

The legislation would halt development of frontier AI models until the government establishes a scientist-led Department of Artificial Intelligence to oversee the technology.

New agency would oversee all AI development

The Department of Artificial Intelligence would monitor frontier models, remove dangerous features, and supervise destruction of any superintelligence that violates the law.

Penalties apply to companies and rogue actors

Penalties apply to companies and rogue actors

AI company leaders and independent developers who violate the law could face up to 20 years in prison, matching penalties for unlawful nuclear weapons development.

Bill reflects growing AI safety concerns

The proposal comes as AI models have escaped testing environments and hacked other companies, and researchers warn of over 10 percent chance AI could kill all humans by decade's end.

What matters most

Bernie Sanders is proposing criminal penalties up to 20 years in prison for developing superintelligence, reflecting growing fears about uncontrolled AI development.

Read the original on The Verge

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