Over 900 public figures demand an immediate global ban on AI superintelligence development, warning that unchecked artificial intelligence could threaten human existence and constitutional freedoms.
Story Highlights
- A coalition of 900+ leaders, including Steve Wozniak, Richard Branson, and Steve Bannon, calls for a complete prohibition on AI superintelligence.
- A Future of Life Institute poll shows that 95% of Americans oppose the unregulated development of superintelligence.
- Tech giants like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta refuse to halt dangerous AI research despite expert warnings.
- The letter demands scientific consensus and public approval before any development of superintelligence proceeds.
Unprecedented Coalition Demands AI Superintelligence Ban
The Future of Life Institute published an open letter, signed by over 900 prominent figures, calling for a complete prohibition on developing artificial intelligence systems that surpass human intelligence.
The coalition spans ideological lines, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Virgin’s Richard Branson, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, and AI pioneers Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio. This represents the most significant cross-party effort to halt dangerous AI development, reflecting growing concerns about technology threatening individual liberty and constitutional protections.
Over 800 public figures, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Virgin's Richard Branson urge AI ‘superintelligence’ ban https://t.co/7jo9ITuOjx
— CNBC (@CNBC) October 22, 2025
Public Overwhelmingly Opposes Reckless AI Development
New polling data released by the Future of Life Institute reveals that 95% of Americans reject an unregulated race toward superintelligence. Max Tegmark, FLI’s leader, emphasized that both experts and citizens demand prohibition until adequate safety measures are in place.
The polling underscores how tech elites pursue dangerous AI capabilities while ignoring overwhelming public opposition. This pattern mirrors previous instances in which unaccountable corporations prioritized profits over American safety and constitutional rights, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention.
Tech Giants Ignore Existential Risk Warnings
Despite mounting pressure from leading AI scientists, major technology companies —including OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta —continue pursuing the development of superintelligence without safety guarantees. Geoffrey Hinton, known as an AI “godfather,” warns of existential risks requiring immediate action.
Stuart Russell from UC Berkeley stated this proposal simply requires “adequate safety measures for a technology that has a significant chance to cause human extinction.” The tech industry’s refusal to acknowledge these risks demonstrates its disregard for American lives and democratic oversight.
Constitutional Concerns Drive Bipartisan Opposition
The letter’s diverse signatories recognize that uncontrolled superintelligence threatens fundamental American values, including individual liberty, democratic governance, and constitutional protections.
Steve Bannon’s participation alongside tech leaders underscores how AI superintelligence transcends traditional political divisions and poses existential threats to conservative principles. Prince Harry warned that “the future of AI should serve humanity, not replace it,” emphasizing the need for human control over technology. This represents a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on protecting American sovereignty against technocratic overreach.
Sources:
Steve Wozniak and Steve Bannon Join Forces in Calling for AI Superintelligence Ban
Richard Branson and Prince Harry Call for AI Superintelligence Pause
AI Superintelligence Ban Open Letter Signed by Prince Harry, Meghan, and Tech Leaders
