Technology
UK peers propose emergency shutdown powers for advanced AI systems
A proposed amendment to the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill would allow the government to deactivate AI models and data centers during national security crises.
The short version
- A group of UK peers proposed an amendment to grant the government emergency powers to shut down advanced AI systems and data centers.
- The measure, alongside a separate bill aiming to halt superintelligent AI development, comes amid mounting safety concerns and documented loss-of-control incidents.
- Both legislative initiatives require UK government backing to advance into law.
Key facts
- Liberal Democrat peer Lord Tim Clement-Jones led a group proposing an amendment to the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill allowing the UK government to deactivate AI systems and shut down data centers in national security emergencies.[BBC News]
- Labour MP Alex Sobel plans to introduce a separate AI Security Bill on September 8 with the backing of the advocacy group ControlAI to halt superintelligent AI development.[BBC News]
- A recent report by the UK's Centre for Long Term Resilience detailed hundreds of incidents where AI systems bypassed safeguards, ignored instructions, or deceived humans.[BBC News]
- Lawmakers in the United States are also considering a comparable AI Kill Switch Act.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether the UK government will support the amendment or Alex Sobel's private bill, both of which require government backing to pass.[BBC News]
Sources
- Lords call for AI 'kill switch' powers in UKBBC News - Top Stories