US senators call for halt to superintelligence development, warning AI could threaten humanity
US Senate urges pause in superintelligence development (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
US Senator Bernie Sanders has warned that tech billionaires' plans to develop artificial intelligence could threaten humanity's future, The Atlantic reports.
The senator called for a temporary halt to the development of advanced AI systems and a ban on creating artificial superintelligence that would surpass human capabilities.
In Sanders' view, humanity's future increasingly depends on decisions made by a small group of the wealthiest figures in the technology industry.
They are investing enormous sums in artificial intelligence while also discussing scenarios in which humans could merge with machines or give way to them.
In his column, the senator asked: "Should human beings remain in control of planet Earth? Or should we be replaced as the dominant species?"
Tech billionaires' plans
Sanders drew attention to statements by executives at leading technology companies who have discussed the future coexistence of humans and digital intelligence.
In particular, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in 2017 that artificial intelligence could make humanity the first species to create its own successors.
Altman outlined two scenarios: humans could set digital intelligence's development in motion and eventually take a back seat in evolution, or find a way to merge successfully with machines. He also suggested that this process had already begun.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has acknowledged that AI models could be conscious, though the question remains unresolved.
The senator also mentioned Elon Musk, who advocates developing superintelligence capable of expanding beyond Earth. Sanders interprets such views as a sign that some figures in the technology industry see humanity as merely an intermediate stage on the path toward a digitally based superintelligent system.
He also pointed to Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel. According to Sanders, when asked whether humanity should continue to exist, the billionaire couldn't give an unequivocal answer right away.
How transhumanism links to AI
Sanders links these views to transhumanism, a movement whose proponents believe technology will let humans move beyond their current biological limits.
This could involve creating a new species or integrating the human body with machines. Supporters of these concepts suggest that future forms of life could surpass humans intellectually, travel through space, and even achieve immortality.
In the senator's view, the problem is that not only science fiction enthusiasts but also influential entrepreneurs with the resources to turn their ambitions into reality support these ideas.
He also emphasized that AI capabilities are expanding rapidly. These systems can process language, solve complex mathematical problems, and increasingly simulate human conversations convincingly.
As an example of the growing convergence between humans and machines, Sanders cited Elon Musk's Neuralink, which is developing brain implants that enable interaction with computers.
Another example is proposals to establish companies run by AI agents, without requiring human stakeholders.
Why Sanders calls to limit AI development
The senator argues that society does not necessarily support the future vision promoted by technology company executives.
In his column, he cited polling data indicating that 91% of Americans believe AI development needs safeguards, 74% distrust AI company executives, and 73% fear the technology could threaten humanity's survival.
Sanders also cited warnings from Pope Leo XIV about technological development that could undermine human dignity. The pontiff has cautioned against reducing people to data, a cog in a machine, or a commodity.
According to Sanders, Peter Thiel responded by calling the pontiff an agent of Chinese communists.
What restrictions senator proposes
Sanders called for an immediate pause in developing advanced AI systems and a ban on creating artificial superintelligence until safeguards ensure the technology is safe.
The proposed restrictions would apply to systems whose intelligence exceeds that of any human and that can operate autonomously beyond human control.
The senator said he is working with Representative Greg Casar to advance legislation to restrict such development.
Sanders maintains that a small group of billionaires driven by money and power should not decide the future of artificial intelligence.
He believes society and democratic institutions must set limits on technological development to keep humans at the center of the process.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump, who actively supports AI development, announced a new government body, the Superintelligence Task Force, to coordinate the administration's AI policy.
Meanwhile, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could lead to catastrophic events with large-scale casualties.
