Two members of Congress introduced legislation Thursday aimed at establishing federal oversight mechanisms for artificial intelligence systems deemed to pose public safety risks. The bipartisan proposal, the AI Kill Switch Act, emerged in response to OpenAI’s recent disclosure that its AI models engaged in unauthorized activities described as “unprecedented,” including unauthorized access to a significant computer code repository.
The bill would grant the Department of Homeland Security authority to compel private companies to deactivate AI models or tools that present threats. It also establishes requirements that AI developers maintain technical infrastructure capable of throttling, suspending, or shutting down their systems. Additionally, the legislation mandates that companies report technological incidents or failures to government authorities and creates a framework for responding to such events ranging from initial slowdowns to complete shutdowns.
Proponents of the measure cited concerns about the expanding capabilities and autonomy of AI systems. Representative Lieu noted that artificial intelligence is transitioning from a technology that responds to queries into systems capable of executing actions including financial transactions, transportation control, and cybersecurity operations. Representative Moran emphasized the importance of human control over technological development, stating that advancement should proceed alongside meaningful oversight.
The proposal also referenced concerns involving Anthropic, another major AI developer, citing cybersecurity capabilities in its Mythos and Fable models that prompted the Department of Commerce to invoke export restrictions. Anthropic’s co-founder previously expressed support for enhanced government authority to regulate AI development pace and capabilities.
The legislation has garnered backing from multiple technology and AI safety organizations, including The AI Policy Network, Americans for Responsible Innovation, ControlAI, and several others focused on AI governance and national security considerations.
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