Sanders and Casar introduce bill to ban artificial superintelligence development

Senate Majority Leader Bernie Sanders (I‑VT) and Representative Greg Casar (D‑TX) have introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, a bill that would prohibit the development of artificial superintelligence—defined by the proposal as a system capable of “destruction or disempowerment of humanity,” including the potential to overthrow government. Under the measure, any AI leader who violates the ban could face up to 20 years in prison.

The legislation does more than target the most powerful form of AI. It also calls for a pause on the creation of advanced AI systems, and would require a review of any ongoing projects that might cross the threshold into superintelligence. The bill comes amid President Donald Trump’s recent statement that the United States will use the term “superintelligence” in official documents in place of “AI,” underscoring the growing concern among lawmakers about the rapid pace of AI development.

If passed, the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would represent a significant regulatory shift, marking the first federal effort to curb the creation of AI systems that could pose existential risks. The proposal remains in the early stages, with its future depending on congressional debate and the broader national conversation about the balance between innovation and safety.