Sen. Bernie Sanders is warning that the long-term danger posed by artificial intelligence could be greater than the threat of nuclear weapons, as concern grows in Washington over increasingly capable AI systems.
Sanders has become one of the most vocal lawmakers calling for stronger oversight of advanced AI. He argues that the technology is developing faster than governments can regulate it and that the risks go far beyond automation or job losses.
Among the concerns raised by Sanders and AI researchers are the possibility that advanced systems could help bad actors design biological weapons, conduct large-scale cyberattacks or eventually act in ways humans cannot reliably control.
His warning comes amid a broader debate among scientists, technology executives and policymakers. Several prominent AI researchers have recently resigned from major companies, saying competitive pressure is pushing development forward faster than safety measures can keep up.
Sanders has called for stronger federal regulation and has supported efforts to slow the development of the most powerful AI systems until better safeguards are in place. He has also argued that the United States should seek international cooperation, including with China, rather than treating AI development only as a technological arms race.
At the same time, other political leaders argue that slowing U.S. AI development could give China a strategic advantage. House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump have both warned against regulation they believe could weaken American leadership in artificial intelligence.
The result is a growing divide over one of the biggest technological questions facing governments today: whether the greater danger lies in moving too fast — or in falling behind.
Sources: Reuters | Associated Press | CNN
By NJ RADAR Team