# 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.
- Title: Sanders wants to ban superintelligence with 20-year prison…
- Summary: A new bill would criminalize developing artificial superintelligence and pause advanced AI research until a government agency can oversee it. Bernie Sanders…
- Keywords: bernie sanders, greg casar, artificial superintelligence, ai regulation, ban artificial superintelligence act, department of artificial intelligence, frontier models, ai safety, criminal penalties, ai oversight, technology, culture
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/999443/bernie-sanders-ai-superintelligence-ban-act
- Author: Emma Roth
- Published: 2026-09-23T16:23:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bernie sanders, greg casar, artificial superintelligence, ai regulation, ban artificial superintelligence act, department of artificial intelligence, frontier models, ai safety, criminal penalties, ai oversight, technology, culture
## Sanders introduces superintelligence ban
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
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.
## Key takeaway

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