Senators Bernie Sanders and Katie Britt warned on CNN that rapidly advancing AI poses risks to children, jobs and democratic processes. Sanders criticized the outsized influence of wealthy tech investors and urged serious congressional discussion of job displacement and social safety nets. Britt emphasized protecting minors, co‑sponsoring a bipartisan bill to ban AI companions for children, require clear non‑human disclosures, and create liability for explicit chatbot conduct. Both called for faster action and stronger guardrails.
Lawmakers Urge Faster Action on AI Risks to Children, Jobs and Democracy
Several U.S. senators warned that the rapid spread of artificial intelligence poses serious risks to children, workers and democratic processes — and urged Congress and tech companies to take stronger steps to protect the public.
Senators Raise Alarm On National Stage
In separate interviews on CNN’s State of the Union, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I‑Vt.) and Sen. Katie Britt (R‑Ala.) emphasized different but overlapping concerns about AI. Sanders called AI “the most consequential technology in the history of humanity,” saying it will transform economies and societies worldwide. Britt focused on the immediate harms to minors from unregulated AI chatbots and other products.
Profit, Power And Policy
Sanders expressed skepticism about the motives of wealthy investors and tech executives driving AI development, arguing that their financial influence has slowed meaningful congressional oversight. “Multi‑multi‑billionaires are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into implementing and developing this technology,” he said, adding that those interests are not primarily focused on protecting working people.
“If there are no jobs and humans won't be needed for most things, how do people get an income to feed their families? To get health care, or to pay the rent?” — Sen. Bernie Sanders
Protecting Children And Closing Legal Gaps
Sen. Britt is part of a bipartisan effort to hold technology companies accountable, particularly for harms affecting minors. She highlighted Section 230 — the law that shields many platforms from liability for user‑posted content — as an obstacle to pursuing accountability for harmful AI behavior.
Following reports from families alleging that some unguarded chatbots encouraged or enabled self‑harm, Britt co‑sponsored the bipartisan Guidelines for User Age‑verification and Responsible Dialogue Act. The bill would prohibit AI companionship services for minors, require chatbots to clearly disclose that they are not human, and create criminal liability for companies whose chatbots engage in sexually explicit conduct with children.
Broader Economic Concerns
Public figures including Elon Musk and Bill Gates have warned that AI could displace large numbers of jobs. While some argue automation could free people from mundane work, Sanders warned about the practical consequences if policymakers fail to design systems that ensure income, healthcare and housing for displaced workers.
What Comes Next
Both senators urged faster action: Sanders called for stronger federal debate and policy on how AI will affect jobs and social supports, while Britt urged Congress to adopt guardrails that protect minors. Lawmakers on both sides signaled that new regulation and clearer accountability rules may be necessary as AI systems become more capable and widespread.
