Bernie Sanders Demands Tough AI Regulation, Calls Superintelligence Greater Threat Than Nukes

Senator Bernie Sanders just ramped up his urgent call for strict government control over Artificial Intelligence (AI), telling CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns that the potential dangers of advanced AI are 'probably greater' than those of nuclear weapons. This stark warning comes as Sanders is set to introduce the 'Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act' alongside Representative Greg Casar, proposing a permanent ban on AI systems smarter than humans and a temporary pause on all advanced AI development until federal safety rules are locked in. Violations could even lead to 20 years in prison, reflecting the seriousness with which Sanders views this emerging threat. This isn't just Sanders raising alarms; his concerns echo dire warnings from leading tech experts, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI Sam Altman, and xAI's Elon Musk, who have all called for a slowdown in AI development due to escalating risks. The debate is now heating up, with a rare bipartisan alignment forming around the need for AI safety, even as President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson push back, arguing that aggressive regulation could hinder the US in the global AI race. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has also called for stronger international regulations, emphasizing AI potential for 'existential risks.' With Congress nearing a recess, the push for immediate AI safeguards is intense, with some House Democrats even urging Speaker Johnson to delay the break until action is taken. The proposed 'Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act' will likely face strong opposition, particularly given the White House's current stance. All eyes will be on Washington as lawmakers grapple with balancing innovation against the profound societal and existential risks that AI, if left unchecked, could unleash on jobs, privacy, and even humanity itself.