Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have introduced legislation to ban the development of artificial superintelligence, which they define as technology capable of seriously harming or disempowering humanity. The proposal would also pause advanced AI development until a new, scientist-led Department of Artificial Intelligence is established, reflecting growing concern about the risks of rapidly advancing systems.

The bill would require AI companies to obtain government approval for developing advanced models and give the new department powers to monitor systems, remove dangerous features and oversee the destruction of prohibited superintelligence. Company leaders and unaffiliated “rogue actors” who breach the rules could face up to 20 years in prison, a penalty the bill compares with existing punishments for illegally developing nuclear weapons; the proposal comes amid warnings about AI safety and other calls for stronger regulation.