Bernie Sanders wants the American public to own 50% stake in AI companies (www.techradar.com)

US Senator Bernie Sanders has announced the introduction of the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, which seeks to grant American citizens a 50% stake in major AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI. This initiative would impose a one-time tax on these firms, payable in stock rather than cash, with the intent of redistributing the wealth generated from AI innovations back to the public. Sanders argues that since AI has been built on collective human knowledge, the economic benefits should not be restricted to a few billionaires but should instead enhance the lives of all citizens. The proposal aspires to give the American populace not only financial benefits but also voting rights and influence over corporate decisions, positioning them as co-owners of these technology leaders. While this ambitious plan could potentially redefine ownership and governance in the AI sector, it may also face criticism regarding its impact on innovation and investment in the field. Current discussions around AI wealth distribution, including efforts from former President Trump, highlight the growing recognition of the need for equitable sharing of benefits arising from AI advancements.