Key facts
- Steve Bannon and Senator Bernie Sanders appeared at the "Pro-Human Assembly" in Washington, D.C., to advocate for guardrails on artificial intelligence.
- Sanders stated that if AI surpasses human intelligence, it could escape human control with potentially catastrophic consequences.
- Bannon criticized tech CEOs who have called for more regulations, claiming they want to "socialize" risk and reap financial benefits.
- AI researcher Jacob Coxon resigned from Anthropic, citing concerns that advanced AI could threaten humanity.
- Donald Trump repeatedly called fears over rapid AI development a "hoax" on Truth Social.
- GOP Rep. Chip Roy highlighted constituents' concerns about data centers competing for water and generating noise.
- CBS News polling from May indicated that 65% of Americans believe AI will decrease jobs, and 67% think the government will not ensure AI is used appropriately.
Steve Bannon, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, and independent Senator Bernie Sanders shared a stage in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to call for greater regulation and control over artificial intelligence development. The two, despite their political differences, appeared at the "Pro-Human Assembly," a gathering focused on establishing guardrails for AI technology.
Sanders opened his remarks by expressing concern that AI could surpass human intelligence and escape human control, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences. He emphasized the exponential advancement of AI, stating that the current version is the least capable it will ever be. Sanders also plans to introduce legislation with Congressman Greg Casar to ban the development of "superintelligent" AI.
Bannon, following Sanders, applauded the senator's speech and called AI the defining issue of the time. He criticized tech CEOs who have publicly called for regulation, labeling their statements a "bald-faced lie" and suggesting they aim to "socialize" risk while retaining financial benefits. Bannon argued that Americans, not the U.S. government, should benefit from AI's advancements.
Concerns about AI's trajectory have been amplified by figures like AI researcher Jacob Coxon, who resigned from Anthropic, the developer of the AI app Claude. Coxon warned that advanced AI could threaten humanity and accused companies like Anthropic and OpenAI of "gambling with our lives" through their rapid development of AI models.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to dismiss fears about rapid AI development as a "hoax," asserting that the U.S. needs a strong president to manage AI. GOP Representative Chip Roy also addressed the assembly, relaying constituents' concerns about data centers' impact on water resources and noise, and the broader implications for their communities and future generations.
Recent polling by CBS News in May indicated that a majority of Americans, 65%, believe AI will lead to job losses, and 67% are skeptical that the federal government will ensure AI is used appropriately.