David Sacks is warning that proposed legislation from Democratic lawmakers targeting artificial superintelligence could cripple American artificial intelligence development and hand China a major strategic advantage.

The exchange began when Jesse Watters asked about reports of proposed laws that could expose AI developers to criminal penalties for violating new regulations.

“The legislation you're hearing considered, new laws to throw people in prison for AI regulation violations. What's that all about?” Watters asked.

Sacks said the proposal is being advanced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats.

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

“Well, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren has joined him and AOC and many other Democrats,” Sacks said.

According to Sacks, the legislation is called “Ban Artificial Superintelligence,” but he argued that the measure defines superintelligence so broadly that existing AI systems could potentially fall within its reach.

“They have a bill called Ban Artificial Superintelligence, but the way they define superintelligence is pretty much a lot of the AI models that we have today,” Sacks said.

He also highlighted the potential criminal penalties attached to the proposal, saying developers could face prison sentences of up to 20 years.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“And of course, along with this loose definition you have the threat of 20-year prison sentences,” Sacks said.

Sacks argued that such penalties would have an immediate chilling effect on the industry because developers would be reluctant to continue working on advanced systems if they believed innovation could expose them to lengthy prison terms.

“So no AI developers are going to want to take the chance of going to jail for developing AI, so all the innovations are going to stop,” Sacks said.

He compared the approach to what he described as the federal government’s previous treatment of the cryptocurrency industry.

“This is going to be just like what they did to crypto,” Sacks said.

Sacks argued that the crackdown on cryptocurrency drove entrepreneurs and companies away from the United States rather than strengthening the domestic industry.

“Remember when they declared war on crypto. They randomly prosecuted and victimized innovators, drove the whole industry offshore,” Sacks said.

He warned that the same outcome could occur with artificial intelligence if lawmakers pursue aggressive restrictions backed by severe criminal penalties.

“That is what they want to do with AI,” Sacks said.

For Sacks, the larger issue is not simply whether individual AI companies face more regulation.

He argued that the United States is competing internationally for leadership in a technology that could shape economic growth and national security for decades.

“If that happens, China will take the lead in AI, and this technology will benefit their economy and their national security,” Sacks said.

He said losing leadership in artificial intelligence would have consequences far beyond Silicon Valley, potentially shifting global power toward China.

“It will make China the most powerful country in the world instead of the United States,” Sacks said.

Sacks framed the proposed legislation as a choice between maintaining America’s technological edge and imposing regulations that could push developers elsewhere.

His warning centered on the combination of a broad definition of prohibited technology and harsh criminal penalties.

He argued that uncertainty over whether existing or future AI models could qualify as “superintelligence” would make companies and researchers far more cautious about continuing development inside the United States.

Sacks concluded that such a move would come at a high cost to both American innovation and national security.

“And that would be a tragic mistake.”

WATCH:

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.