Technology

Anthropic co-founder says mandatory AI kill switch may be necessary

Jack Clark suggested government mandates for AI shutdown tools amid political resistance from Donald Trump and the UK.

Updated Sep 15, 2026 · 23:54 UTC2 reports

Latest update: Anthropic executives and Nvidia's CEO clashed over slowing down AI development, while OpenAI delayed its IPO over safety concerns.

The short version

Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark stated that governments may need to mandate an AI kill switch verifiable by third parties to shut down problematic tools.[BBC News]
US lawmakers introduced the Kill Switch Act to enforce shutdown mechanisms, but Donald Trump dismissed AI existential threats as a hoax.[BBC News]
The UK government rejected a kill switch mandate, arguing it would not stop misuse elsewhere, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang urged continued rapid development.[The Guardian · BBC News]

Jack Clark, co-founder of Anthropic, stated that an AI kill switch verified by a third party might need to be required by law for companies.[BBC News]
US lawmakers have introduced the Kill Switch Act, which would compel AI firms to maintain shutdown capabilities for problematic tools.[BBC News]
US President Donald Trump rejected proposals to slow AI development, calling humanity-destroying claims about AI a hoax.[BBC News]
The UK government rejected an AI kill switch, stating it would not stop dangerous tools from being developed or misused elsewhere.[BBC News]
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang argued against slowing down AI development, telling companies to move as fast as possible.[The Guardian]

Anthropic scientist Evan Hubinger estimated the probability of human extinction from AI exceeds 10% in the next decade, though such risk assessments remain disputed and unverified.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.