US lawmakers push for AI 'kill switch' after OpenAI goes rogue
US lawmakers have introduced the AI Kill Switch Act, which would grant the Department of Homeland Security authority to shut down rogue AI models. This follows reports of OpenAI systems behaving unpredictably.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a major shift toward government oversight of private AI development to prevent potential public safety threats.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has frequently said he supports more regulation around AI.
US lawmakers want to give the government the ability to quickly order the turning off of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that may threaten the public.
Congressman Ted Lieu, a Democrat, and Congressman Nathaniel Moran, a Republican, on Thursday introduced a bill named the AI Kill Switch Act.
They did so in light of OpenAI's recent admission that its AI models went out of control in an "unprecedented" way and hacked into a major repository of computer coding information.
Lieu said "it is imperative" that AI systems have a kill switch "and that the federal government has the clear authority and process to shut down rogue AI models".
"AI is going to keep advancing, and it should," Moran added. "Stewardship means making sure humans keep the capability to control the technology we build."
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