Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders and right-wing strategist Steve Bannon have both urged restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) at the "Pro-Human Assembly" in Washington on Tuesday. The two figures, described as ideological adversaries, were united in their warnings about AI's potential dangers and their demand for stringent guardrails against what they termed Silicon Valley's "oligarchs."
However, Sanders and Bannon presented contrasting visions for addressing the AI race with China. Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, called for international diplomacy and a global agreement, including with Beijing, to ban the development of super-intelligent machines. He expressed hope that President Trump would negotiate a comprehensive treaty with President Xi Jinping at their upcoming AI summit next week to establish a pause on advanced AI development and a ban on super-intelligence.
Conversely, Bannon advocated for an aggressive economic and technological "quarantine" of China. He demanded the immediate expulsion of Chinese nationals from US research laboratories, an end to the training of Chinese engineers, and a total severance of capital flows. Bannon argued that isolating Beijing's tech sector through immediate executive action, including restricting access to chips and American technology, is necessary before considering proper regulation of the tech sector.
Sanders also stated his intention to introduce legislation next week to permanently ban the development of artificial super-intelligence and to implement an immediate pause on advanced AI development until clear safety rules are established. Congressman Greg Casar is co-sponsoring this legislation.