Sanders, Casar Introduce AI Legislation to Ban Superintelligence and Create Federal Department

Why it matters locally: The proposed federal legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, including a ban on superintelligence, could significantly influence technology sector development and research funding in Connecticut, potentially impacting businesses and academic institutions engaged in AI. Creation of a federal Department of Artificial Intelligence would establish national standards that would apply to any AI development or deployment within the state.

WASHINGTON – Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced legislation on Wednesday addressing artificial intelligence. The proposed bill seeks to prohibit artificial superintelligence and establish a federal agency dedicated to overseeing advanced AI. The legislation calls for the creation of a new government department, the Department of Artificial Intelligence. This new department would assume responsibility for monitoring and regulating AI development. Senator Sanders and Representative Casar, both progressive lawmakers, sponsored the bill. They unveiled the proposed legislation Wednesday. The bill defines artificial superintelligence and outlines the conditions for its prohibition. It also details the mandate and structure of the proposed Department of Artificial Intelligence. The lawmakers' proposal represents an effort to manage the development and deployment of advanced artificial intelligence technologies through federal regulation.