Biographer who inspired 'Oppenheimer' backs bill banning use of AI in nuclear launches

Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in "Oppenheimer."
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

The author whose biography of scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer inspired the new film "Oppenheimer" has backed a bill banning the use of artificial intelligence in the launching of nuclear weapons.

Kai Bird expressed support on Friday for the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act introduced by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). Bird, whose 2005 book "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer" served as the main inspiration for "Oppenheimer," said in a statement that humanity "must always maintain sole control over nuclear weapons...as my book chronicles, humanity missed a crucial opportunity at the outset of the nuclear age to avoid a nuclear arms race that has since kept us on the brink of destruction for decades."

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.