Bloomington, Indiana, is considering an unusually strict restriction on artificial superintelligence, proposing to prohibit its distribution and deployment unless extraordinary conditions are met. The proposal would require support from more than 95% of registered city voters to lift the ban.
According to WISH-TV, the measure targets autonomous AI systems capable of changing their own underlying algorithms, executing code beyond their original sandbox or completing consequential tasks without ongoing human supervision. Its scope includes potential effects on public safety, financial markets and municipal infrastructure.
What the ban covers
The proposed ordinance focuses on artificial superintelligence, commonly abbreviated as ASI. Experts have warned that systems reaching this level could create catastrophic risks.
The restrictions would apply to systems capable of operating autonomously in ways that could affect city networks, banking, financial markets or public safety. The proposal therefore focuses on both technological capabilities and the consequences of allowing systems to act independently.
Why the city is acting
A supporting staff memorandum recommends approving the ordinance. It argues that neither Indiana nor the federal government has established specific protections for ASI.
The memo presents the local restriction as a temporary intervention while higher levels of government have yet to act. It also suggests Bloomington could provide an example for other municipalities considering similar safeguards.
A wider political debate
The proposal follows federal and international efforts to restrict advanced AI development. In September, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Representative Greg Casar of Texas introduced federal legislation seeking to prohibit ASI development and deployment. Their proposal would also establish a Cabinet-level position responsible for overseeing the industry.
A British member of Parliament introduced a separate ASI prohibition proposal during the same month.
Opponents, including President Donald Trump, have warned that domestic restrictions could weaken America's technological and military position relative to China. Trump has also expressed opposition to international regulatory constraints.
What happens next
Bloomington's Common Council is due to hold a second reading on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall's Council Chambers. Residents can also participate remotely through Zoom.
Why it matters
Bloomington's proposal brings the debate over artificial superintelligence from national policy discussions into municipal government. Its exceptionally high voter-approval threshold would make reversing the restriction difficult, while its temporary framing highlights the absence of broader safeguards identified by city staff.
The coming Council reading will show whether the proposal advances locally, as federal lawmakers and international officials continue debating how to address the potential risks of increasingly autonomous AI systems.