Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed an "AI equity tax" aimed at ensuring the public benefits from the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Under the proposed legislation, companies involved in AI would be required to remit half of their equity in newly issued shares to a public trust fund.
This trust fund would then be mandated by statute to distribute its returns to the public. According to estimates from Sanders' office, this could result in an annual distribution of approximately $1,045 per person. The proposal specifies that no public funds would be used to purchase shares, and it explicitly prohibits public bailouts of covered AI companies, thereby ensuring the U.S. public shares in the financial upside of AI development.
Proponents of such a tax, including policy analysts Sarah Polcz and Jeremy Bearer-Friend, argue that a tax is the most effective mechanism for securing the public's standing as a co-owner of AI technologies. This approach contrasts with other potential avenues, such as equity stakes offered to the administration, which may not inherently benefit the general public.
Discussions around AI taxation and regulation have intensified as companies like OpenAI and Anthropic approach potential initial public offerings. These companies may seek governmental goodwill, potentially influencing regulatory decisions on issues such as the release of new AI models. The proposed AI equity tax is presented as a way to create a direct and transparent public benefit from the growth of the AI sector.