MIRI expresses support for the 2026 Artificial Superintelligence Prohibition Act

MIRI published an article supporting the 2026 Artificial Superintelligence Prohibition Act, calling it the first legislation it has seen in over two decades with a chance to stop the extinction threat from superintelligence, and commented item by item on its merits and shortcomings. The Act requires pausing training when models show precursor features such as the ability to automate AI research or evade human shutdown, and sets training compute thresholds above which a license is required; MIRI agrees that thresholds can be adjusted as algorithmic and data efficiency improve, but recommends adjusting more frequently than once a year. MIRI also appreciates the Act's call for international solutions and argues that U.S. policy should be to prevent the development of artificial superintelligence globally. Shortcomings include the Act not tracking or monitoring AI chips and not restricting certain research; MIRI believes precursors such as enhanced bioweapon design capabilities are not directly related to ASI and may need a separate set of rules, with exceptions possibly considered in the long term after the ASI ban takes effect.