Humanity stands at a crossroads. Unless we work together, reckless development of artificial intelligence (AI) could endanger us all.

A handful of companies are racing to be first to build superintelligent AI – systems vastly more powerful than human beings. Meanwhile, leading AI scientists and whistleblowers warn that these systems could escape our control and cause the end of human civilization.

But this is not inevitable. We can make the wise choice. Rival nations have worked together in the past to reduce nuclear arsenals, restrict chemical and biological weapons, reject human cloning, and save the ozone layer. We must do the same now for superintelligent AI.

The US should lead negotiations on a global AI Treaty to ban superintelligent AI systems until they can be made safe. If we act now with leadership and courage, we can ensure that humanity remains in control of our future.