Bernie Sanders proposes to confiscate 50% of OpenAI and Anthropic shares for public funds

American Senator Bernie Sanders presented a bill that would determine the transfer of 50% of OpenAI and Anthropic's shares to a sovereign United States fund. The measure, released by Fox News, seeks to capture the economic value generated by artificial intelligence and redirect it for public benefit, causing a strong reaction from the technology industry.

Why does Bernie Sanders propose to confiscate AI shares?

Sanders argues that companies such as OpenAI, ChatGPT creator, and Anthropic — responsible for Claude Opus 4.7 — are accumulating disproportionate wealth and power from technologies that must serve society as a whole. The senator argues that the AI has the potential to transform the global economy, and that profits cannot be left to private shareholders alone. The sovereign fund would be administered by the federal government, with the resources applied in education, health and infrastructure programs.

How would the sovereign AI fund function with confiscated shares of OpenAI and Anthropic?

By the preliminary text of the project, OpenAI and Anthropic would be required to issue new shares corresponding to 50% of the total capital — and those shares would be transferred directly to the sovereign fund. The government would appoint representatives to the board of directors, with veto power in strategic decisions. The proposal resembles mechanisms used in countries such as Norway and Singapore, where sovereign funds hold stakes in strategic companies. The difference is that, in this case, participation would be compulsory and not voluntary.

What is the reaction of the technology sector to the seizure of 50% of the shares?

The proposal generated immediate criticism from industry associations, which classify the measure as a confiscation and an attack on entrepreneurship. OpenAI and Anthropic executives have not officially spoken yet, but nearby sources indicate that they should appeal judicially if the project advances. Specialists in corporate law point out that the legality of the measure is questionable, as it could violate the protection clause against expropriation without fair compensation provided for in the American Constitution.

Frequently Asked Questions about AI Action Confiscation

Does Sanders' project have a chance of being approved?

To date, the proposal has no public support from other parliamentarians and faces strong opposition in Congress. To be approved, it would require a simple majority in both legislative houses, which seems unlikely in the short term.

What is a sovereign fund?

It is an investment fund controlled by the national government, which applies resources to assets such as shares, securities and real estate. The revenue generated is used to finance public policies, such as pensions and infrastructure.

How does this proposal impact Brazilian AI startups?

Although the measure is specific to American companies, it sparks the global debate on AI regulation and profit distribution. In Brazil, the government also studies mechanisms to tax or capture some of the gains in artificial intelligence, as discussed in recent public hearings in Congress.

Source: Fox News