The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) has issued a statement on Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempt to establish a moratorium on the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers.
Sanders went to X to share his belief that “democracy needs to catch up” to ensure AI works for the masses and not just the 1%. He labeled the development of these AI data centers as “unregulated” and in need of a pause. The Senator believes in the dystopian outcome of AI and robotics will replace all jobs.
The SBE Council said that Sanders is playing on fear, and the facts show widespread benefits of AI across the economy.
“Over two years of survey research conducted by our organization show significant benefits for small businesses in terms of productivity, efficiency, and expansion opportunities for firms that are using AI. Moreover, the adoption of AI in the workplace has led to positive experiences for employees, such as improving work quality and boosting pay and benefits. Policy should work to broaden these benefits, not restrict them as a moratorium would do,” said SBE Council President and CEO Karen Kerrigan.
Kerrigan added that a moratorium would undermine US competitiveness, allowing countries like China to lead AI development. She said, “China is cheering the Senator along.”
Kerrigan urged the Senator to pursue bipartisan efforts, so workers and businesses boost their AI skills and the needed infrastructure is available for AI development.
Senator Sanders is a self-described Social Democrat who has long touted big government plans. While claiming to pursue policies that support the masses, the Senators tend to ignore the realities of markets and the inefficiency of government control.
