US lawmakers are pushing for a pause on data centers until AI protections are in place

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are introducing a bill that would pause AI adoption amid growing backlash against the technology.

Two progressive lawmakers in the United States are pushing for a moratorium on new AI data centers to ensure the rapidly advancing technology does not threaten the “future of humanity.”

The bill, introduced Wednesday by Sen. Bernie Sanders and House Speaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, would pause data center construction until national protections are put in place to protect workers’ livelihoods, civil liberties and the environment.

Sanders, an independent who represents the state of Vermont, said a moratorium is needed because lawmakers are “far behind” in their understanding of AI.

“Bottom line: We cannot sit back and allow a handful of billionaire Big Tech oligarchs to make decisions that will reshape our economy, our democracy and the future of…