Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced legislation to pause the rollout of artificial intelligence. The bill proposes a moratorium on the construction of new AI datacenters until Congress establishes comprehensive regulations for the technology.
Lawmakers state the pause is necessary to ensure AI is developed safely and responsibly, protecting the environment, communities, and workers. They argue current rapid development is occurring without adequate federal safeguards.
The legislation aims to prevent a small group of technology leaders from unilaterally shaping the future of AI and its impact on the economy, democracy, and society. A temporary ban would allow time to create strong, federal guardrails.
A similar bill is expected to be introduced in the House in the coming weeks, furthering the call for a deliberate approach to AI development and regulation.