Leftist split on AI doom
american left divided on ai regulation approach. some focus on current harms, others on existential risks.
a divide is emerging on the american left over how to approach ai regulation, with some questioning the focus on theoretical concerns about ai safety and others emphasizing the potential existential risks. the new york city democratic socialists of america recently posted on instagram, arguing that 'ai alarmism and ai hype are the same story: both keep your attention on a science-fiction future to distract you from the real harms experienced in the present.' in contrast, senator bernie sanders has taken a strong stance on ai safety, linking it to broader concerns around data centers and corporate exploitation. his data center moratorium bill, released in march, explicitly linked pausing construction with the need to pass federal regulation to protect 'the future of humanity.' this has put him in unusual alliances, including with steve bannon, and inspired messaging from left-wing candidates running for office across the country.