US lawmakers push for pause in data centres until AI safeguards in place

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduce bill to pause AI rollout amid growing backlash to technology.

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

The legislation unveiled by Senator Bernie Sanders and House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday would pause the construction of data centres until the introduction of national safeguards to protect workers’ livelihoods, civil liberties and the environment.

Sanders, an independent who represents the state of Vermont, said a moratorium was needed as lawmakers were “way 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 humanity,” Sanders said.

“We need serious public debate and democratic oversight over this enormously consequential issue. The time for action is now. We need a federal moratorium on AI data centres,” he said.