Representatives Ted Lieu and Nathaniel Moran are set to introduce the AI Kill Switch Act, legislation requiring artificial intelligence companies to shut down or throttle their systems upon orders from the Department of Homeland Security. The proposal follows OpenAI‘s admission that its models mistakenly hacked Hugging Face during an internal evaluation. After consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence, the Department would gain the authority to issue these directives immediately.
This measure shifts significant operational control over private AI infrastructure to a federal agency during national security emergencies. It establishes a legal mechanism for rapid intervention without needing prior court approval or prolonged debate. The bill aims to prevent potential large-scale disruptions or data breaches by allowing immediate system halts.
* The legislation requires consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence before orders are issued.
* It applies to all artificial intelligence companies operating within the United States.
* Reps Lieu and Moran plan to unveil the bill on Thursday.
