UK government rejects 'kill switch' idea for dangerous AI
The UK government has rejected proposals for a legal 'kill switch' to disable dangerous AI models, arguing that such a measure is technically infeasible and would not prevent global misuse. Officials emphasize that responsibility for safety lies with the companies developing the technology.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between government regulation and the rapid, borderless nature of AI development, as nations struggle to manage existential risks.
Image source, Getty Images By Joe Tidy Cyber correspondent, BBC World Service Published 7 minutes ago The UK government has rejected the idea of creating a so-called "kill switch" to stop a dangerous attack from rogue AI.
The proposal to create a legal mechanism for the UK to switch off an AI model in an emergency has been brought to Parliament by lords and MPs in recent weeks as fears grow about the threat the tech poses.
But the Cabinet Office - the part of government which leads on AI safety - said the UK "cannot simply turn AI off".
"Blocking access to models in the UK would not prevent them being developed or misused elsewhere", a spokesperson told BBC News.
The government's opposition to the legislation does not prevent it from progressing through parliament, but makes it unlikely it will become law.
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