Attorney General Todd Blanche has accused Democrats of using the growing debate over artificial intelligence to influence the upcoming midterm elections, as he defended President Donald Trump's dismissal of warnings about the technology as a “hoax.” Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Blanche questioned the timing of Democratic lawmakers' renewed calls for AI regulation and suggested the debate was being driven in part by the approaching elections. Of course, that's what it is.” Blanche's comments came as Trump faces growing calls from lawmakers and technology figures to address potential risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems. Trump on Monday dismissed concerns about AI systems potentially “taking over the World” or “destroying Humanity” as a “HOAX,” while arguing that the technology does not need additional government “guardrails.” Blanche said he agreed with the president's position.
The attorney general nevertheless emphasized that the Justice Department would investigate criminal conduct involving AI, saying existing federal laws already provide prosecutors with authority to pursue unlawful activity. We're prosecutors, not regulators. So we're not going to try to regulate.” Blanche said the Justice Department would investigate violations of criminal law involving AI but does not consider regulating the technology itself to be the department's role.
Speaking to nearly 300 people packed into a Washington, D.C., ballroom, Sanders raised concerns about AI surpassing human intelligence and escaping human control. He said he will be introducing legislation to permanently ban the development of "superintelligent" AI, with Congressman Greg Casar, D-Texas, next week. At a September 14 event with Steve Bannon, Sanders called for restrictions on AI and argued that development should be slowed while safeguards are put in place. reports that he urged Trump to negotiate an AI-development pause with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Democratic and independent lawmakers have increasingly raised concerns about the rapid development of artificial intelligence, with calls ranging from stronger safeguards to temporary limits on the development of the most advanced systems. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has been among the most vocal critics of the current pace of AI development. At an event with Steve Bannon, Sanders warned that AI could have significant consequences for American workers and national security.
Sanders has also warned about the possibility of advanced AI systems becoming difficult for humans to control, saying the technology could present “potentially catastrophic consequences.” Sanders and Democratic Rep. Greg Casar of Texas have separately backed legislation that would place sweeping restrictions on the development of advanced AI. Their proposed Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would prohibit the development of artificial superintelligence and establish a temporary pause on certain advanced AI development.
Casar has also argued that Democrats should make the economic effects of AI a larger part of their political message, particularly as workers face uncertainty over whether automation could eliminate or transform jobs. Other Democratic lawmakers have focused on the need for regulation and safeguards rather than an outright halt to AI development. Their concerns include the impact of AI on employment, misinformation, privacy, national security and the use of increasingly autonomous systems.
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