Bernie Sanders Calls for US-China Agreement to Pause Advanced AI Development
US Senator Bernie Sanders has called on President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to negotiate an agreement that would temporarily pause the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Speaking at an event in Washington, Sanders said the United States and China should work together on measures to address concerns surrounding increasingly capable AI technologies. His proposal comes as governments, technology companies and lawmakers continue to debate how advanced AI should be regulated.
Sanders Proposes AI Development Pause
Sanders has previously supported legislation that would temporarily halt the development of advanced AI systems until safety regulations are established.
He and Representative Greg Casar announced legislation earlier this month that would also seek to restrict the development and deployment of what they describe as superintelligent AI. The proposal includes the creation of safety rules and international efforts to prevent the development of such systems without appropriate safeguards.
Sanders has argued that AI-related risks could extend beyond the United States and China, making international cooperation an important part of the discussion.
Concerns Over AI’s Impact
The debate comes as public concern about artificial intelligence continues to grow in the United States.
Recent polling has highlighted concerns about potential job losses, higher costs and other social effects associated with the rapid expansion of AI. The growth of AI data centres has also raised questions about electricity demand and infrastructure costs.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll cited in recent reporting, 77% of Americans surveyed were concerned that AI-powered data centres could increase electricity costs.
Trump Takes a Different Position
President Donald Trump has publicly expressed a different approach to the debate over AI regulation.
Recent reports said Trump has rejected calls for a broad pause in AI development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining US competitiveness with China in the technology sector.
The differing positions have added to an ongoing debate in Washington over whether the government should introduce additional restrictions on advanced AI development or allow the technology industry to continue expanding with existing safeguards.
AI Regulation Debate Continues in Congress
US lawmakers are also considering different approaches to AI regulation.
Some proposals would establish additional federal oversight, while other lawmakers have raised concerns about limiting states’ ability to create their own rules governing AI systems.
Sanders has argued for stronger federal action and international cooperation, while opponents of broader restrictions have raised concerns that excessive regulation could affect technological development and US competitiveness.
The debate is expected to continue as policymakers consider the potential economic, security and social effects of increasingly advanced AI systems.
