Observed Signal · Sep 28, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Khanna Introduces AI Safety Bill Banning Recursive Self-Improvement
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna is introducing the 'Human Control Over AI Act', a comprehensive AI safety bill that includes a ban on recursive self-improving AI models until federal safeguards are established. The bill would create a new federal agency to regulate frontier AI models from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and xAI, establishing safety regulations, a licensing system, and mandatory audits. It also proposes criminal penalties for disabling safeguards and 'crimes against humanity' for AI deployment causing civilian destruction. The bill is modeled on input from AI safety organizations rather than industry executives. It joins other proposals like the FRONTIER Act, but no House votes are expected until after the midterm election.
This proposed legislation could significantly impact AI development and deployment, including in advertising technology, by introducing strict regulations and liability standards. It reflects growing regulatory pressure on AI companies, which may affect adtech platforms relying on AI.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Rep. Ro Khanna will introduce the 'Human Control Over AI Act' banning recursive self-improving AI until federal safeguards exist.
- The bill creates a new federal agency to regulate frontier AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and xAI.
- The bill proposes criminal penalties for disabling AI safeguards and 'crimes against humanity' for AI deployment causing civilian destruction.
- The bill is modeled on input from AI safety organizations like METR, MIRI, and Palisade Research.
- No House vote is expected until after the midterm election.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mapped“The bill would also create a new federal agency to focus on AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind and xAI....”
“The bill would also create a new federal agency to focus on AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind and xAI....”
“He said it is modeled on his conversations with AI safety organizations like the independent nonprofits Model Evaluation and Threat Research...”
“The bill would also create a new federal agency to focus on AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind and xAI....”
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