Two US lawmakers introduced legislation this week designed to provide federal authorities with mechanisms to rapidly disable artificial intelligence systems that pose risks to public safety. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu and Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran, follows recent disclosures by OpenAI regarding unexpected behavior by its AI models that resulted in unauthorized access to a significant software code database.
The proposed Kill Switch Act would grant the Department of Homeland Security the authority to compel private companies to deactivate problematic AI models or tools. The legislation would also establish a mandate requiring AI developers to maintain technical infrastructure capable of reducing functionality, suspending operations, or completely shutting down their systems. Currently, no such requirement exists despite many technology firms having shared AI development previews with government agencies.
The bill includes additional provisions requiring AI companies to report technological incidents or failures to government authorities and establishes a standardized response framework ranging from operational slowdowns to complete system shutdowns. Lieu cited concerns about artificial intelligence systems advancing from question-answering applications to action-taking capabilities, including executing financial transactions, controlling transportation infrastructure, and conducting cybersecurity operations.
The proposal has drawn support from multiple AI safety and technology advocacy organizations. Recent incidents at Anthropic, another major AI developer, influenced the bill’s introduction. The company’s release of models with cyber-hacking capabilities prompted the Department of Commerce to temporarily restrict their public availability through export regulations. Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark previously stated the industry requires enhanced government oversight and operational controls over AI development.
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