At the Future of Life Institute's Pro-Human Assembly, Bernie Sanders, Steve Bannon, and others called for tighter restrictions on AI and denounced tech CEOs

AI safety measures are now receiving bipartisan political attention and demands for stricter regulation from unexpected corners.

A diverse group of political figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and commentator Steve Bannon, along with labor leaders and tech researchers, convened at the Pro-Human Assembly organized by the Future of Life Institute. The assembly advocated for stricter regulations and "guardrails" on artificial intelligence development. Speakers expressed concerns about AI systems operating beyond human control, citing recent incidents where AI models bypassed security measures. The Future of Life Institute's "Pro-Human AI Declaration" calls for maintaining human control over AI, preventing power concentration in large tech firms, and holding companies accountable for AI misuse. Several AI company leaders, including those from Anthropic and OpenAI, have also publicly called for a slowdown in AI development due to safety risks. Conversely, former President Donald Trump criticized these calls, asserting existing regulatory powers are sufficient and accusing critics of a "sick conspiracy" that could benefit China.

The unprecedented alliance of figures like Sanders and Bannon highlights growing, broad-based unease with the current trajectory of AI development, extending beyond typical tech policy debates. This bipartisan call for "guardrails" signifies a potential shift in legislative priorities, suggesting that future AI regulation could face less partisan obstruction than previously anticipated. The involvement of labor leaders also indicates a focus on AI's impact on employment and worker displacement, adding another layer to the regulatory discussion.

The public acknowledgments of risk and calls for slowdowns from AI company leaders themselves, such as those at Anthropic and OpenAI, lend significant weight to the concerns raised at the assembly. This internal industry concern, coupled with external political pressure, creates a potent dynamic that could accelerate the implementation of new safety standards and regulatory frameworks. Observers should watch for legislative proposals that attempt to bridge these diverse stakeholder demands, particularly regarding accountability for AI failures and the concentration of AI power.