Bernie Sanders speaks to the BBC about proposal to ban AI superintelligence

What the report says

US Senator Bernie Sanders told BBC Newsnight that he plans to introduce legislation aimed at banning what he describes as AI superintelligence, reflecting his concern that advanced systems could one day outstrip human control. According to the BBC, Sanders framed the issue as a major public-policy challenge rather than a purely technical one.

The BBC also reported that Sanders has floated a separate idea for a sovereign wealth fund tied to artificial intelligence, under which the US would take a 50% stake in AI companies. That proposal would amount to a significant shift in how the government could share in the economic gains from the sector.

Any such legislation would face a difficult path. Sanders is an independent who often works with Democrats, but passage would require approval from both chambers of Congress, which are currently controlled by Republicans, and then the signature of President Donald Trump. The BBC noted that Trump has backed the idea of government investment in AI firms as a way to create a form of partnership with the public.

The interview comes amid wider debate over how to regulate fast-moving AI development, a subject that has prompted growing concern among lawmakers, technologists and industry leaders about safety, accountability and economic power.