US Lawmakers Propose AI Kill Switch Act With $20M Daily Fines
New bill would let Homeland Security shut down frontier AI systems, with penalties up to $20 million per day for noncompliance.
A new bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Congress, the AI Kill Switch Act, would grant the Department of Homeland Security authority to order the throttling or shutdown of frontier artificial intelligence systems deemed a threat to national security or public safety.
Companies that fail to comply with such an order could face fines of up to $20 million per day. The legislation targets the most advanced AI models, often referred to as frontier AI, which pose potential risks including misuse in cyberattacks or autonomous weapons.
Key Provisions
- Homeland Security can mandate immediate reduction or cessation of frontier AI operations.
- Noncompliance penalties escalate to $20 million daily.
- Bill applies to AI systems with capabilities exceeding predefined thresholds.
The proposal reflects growing concern among lawmakers about the unchecked development of powerful AI technologies. It remains unclear how the bill would be enforced or what criteria would define a frontier AI system.