Bernie Sanders Proposes Ban on 'Superintelligence' with Criminal Penalties for Violators
In a bold legislative move, Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill that would prohibit the development of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and impose severe criminal penalties—including up to 20 years in prison—on AI leaders who defy the ban. The proposal, unveiled in early 2026, marks one of the most aggressive regulatory stances on advanced AI to date.
Under the bill, any individual or organization found to be actively developing or deploying artificial superintelligence—defined as an AI system that surpasses human cognitive abilities across virtually all domains—would face federal charges. The penalties are designed to deter what Sanders describes as an existential risk to humanity.
"We cannot allow a handful of tech executives to gamble with the future of our species," Sanders said in a statement. "Superintelligence, if uncontrolled, could lead to catastrophic outcomes. We must act now to prevent that."
The bill comes amid growing global debate over AI safety and governance. In 2025, several leading AI labs voluntarily paused development of models exceeding certain capability thresholds, but critics argue that voluntary measures are insufficient. Sanders' proposal would make such development a federal crime.
Industry reactions have been swift. Some AI researchers and executives warn that the bill could stifle innovation and push development underground or overseas. Others, including prominent AI safety advocates, have praised the move as a necessary step to ensure human oversight.
Legal experts note that enforcing such a ban would be challenging, as defining and detecting 'superintelligence' remains technically complex. The bill is expected to face significant opposition in Congress, where tech industry lobbying remains influential.
As of 2026, no artificial superintelligence has been publicly demonstrated, but rapid advancements in large language models and autonomous systems have intensified calls for preemptive regulation. Sanders' bill is likely to become a focal point in the broader conversation about AI's role in society.
via The Verge AI