Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez: block the construction of new data centres for Ia

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced a bill to suspend the construction of new data centres nationwide until adequate security measures for artificial intelligence are implemented.

The bill would impose a national moratorium on the construction of new AI data centres until 'robust national security measures' are in place. Under the proposal, called the Artificial Intelligence Data Centre Moratorium Act, the ban on new construction could be lifted only after the passage of a federal Artificial Intelligence Act that establishes protections for workers and consumers, prevents environmental damage, and defends civil rights, the statement said.

Sanders had already anticipated the bill before a trip to California earlier this year, where he met with executives from Ia companies.

In practice, this could mean that data centre projects could be stalled for years, as Congress is far from passing Ia legislation, let alone something that the two Democrats would consider 'strong'.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle say they want to protect workers and families, but strong differences remain on how to do this, both within and between the two parties. These differences are becoming clear now that the White House has presented its vision for Ia regulation to Congress.