Regulation2026-09-04

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar proposed a ban on artificial superintelligence. Their bill would bar anyone from developing or deploying such systems. It defines them as AI matching or exceeding human ability across many tasks. The definition also covers systems able to plan the disempowerment of humanity. Advanced AI work would pause until a new federal regulator sets rules and review processes. The bill would create a cabinet-level agency to police frontier AI systems. That agency would oversee removal of dangerous capabilities and destruction of banned systems. An expert advisory board would give it independent scientific advice. Companies breaking the rules would face dissolution, and individuals up to 20 years in prison. The bill also directs US officials to seek a worldwide ban through treaties and export controls.

What changed

No US federal law bars building highly capable AI systems.

  • up to 20 years in prison for individuals

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