Michaela
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has announced plans to advocate for a nationwide pause on construction of AI data centers, aiming to allow lawmakers and the public time to address the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.
Key Points
- Bernie Sanders calls for a nationwide pause on AI data center construction to allow democratic oversight.
- Sanders emphasizes the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg on AI development.
- Data centers’ high energy use can affect local infrastructure, as seen in west London housing project delays.
“The moratorium will give democracy a chance to catch up, and ensure that the benefits of technology work for all of us, not just the 1%,” Sanders wrote in an X post, sharing a video regarding his announcement.
In the video, Sanders emphasized that AI and robotics are among the most transformative technologies in human history, noting that they will profoundly impact the lives of every man, woman, and child in the country. Sanders cited several key points that he believes must be considered first.
The first point focused on who is aggressively advancing these technologies. Sanders identified some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, as the driving forces behind AI and robotics. He questioned whether these billionaires are considering the effects these technologies may have on working families in the U.S. and globally.
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Sanders’ second point addressed the economic implications for America’s working class. He referenced statements reportedly made by Musk, who said AI and robotics would “replace all jobs,” and by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who predicted that humans “won’t be needed for most things.”
The third point concerned the impact on the nation’s youth. Sanders noted that more children are becoming isolated from real human relationships and are increasingly seeking emotional support from AI. This observation aligns with a recent high-profile case: in August, Matthew and Maria Raine, the parents of Adam Raine, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, the creator of the AI chatbot ChatGPT, alleging that the chatbot reportedly assisted their son in planning what it called a “beautiful suicide.”
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“Needless to say, there is a whole lot about AI and robotics that needs to be discussed, needs to be analyzed. But one thing is for sure: this process is moving very, very quickly and we need to slow it down. We need all of our people, involved in determining the future of AI, and not just a handful of multibillionaires,” Sanders stated.
Data centers have increasingly become a point of concern both in the United States and abroad. A recent report from London’s Planning and Regeneration Committee revealed that several housing projects in west London experienced temporary delays after nearby data centers, which consume substantial amounts of power from the National Grid, reached full capacity amid an ongoing housing shortage.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
