Republicans clash on Senate floor over AI kill switch
The measure sought to require developers to build emergency shutoffs for advanced AI models, but Rand Paul said Congress needs more facts first.
- On Wednesday, Republican Sen. Rand Paul blocked an effort by Republican Sen. John Kennedy to pass legislation requiring developers of advanced AI systems to include a "kill switch" designed to stop dangerous models.
- Comparing AI models to "The Terminator," Kennedy argued his bill serves as an "emergency shutoff" rather than federal control, ensuring developers retain responsibility for stopping rogue systems.
- Paul objected to the proposal, calling the language "very vague" and proposing a bipartisan committee to study the issue rather than imposing broad regulations on the entire economy without debate.
- Because the measure required unanimous consent from all 100 senators, the bill failed, prompting Kennedy to state, "We are not going to get off of our ice-cold, lazy butts, and address this anytime soon."
- A separate House bill, the Kill Switch Act, would expand these requirements and grant the Department of Homeland Security shutdown authority, though President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson argue federal intervention could weaken U.S. competitiveness against China.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Tech leaders say a kill switch won't be enough to stop rogue superintelligent AI
An emergency kill switch for AI might not be the panacea some policymakers are hoping for.Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty ImagesThe idea of a kill switch to stop rogue AI is gaining momentum in Congress as fears grow.But AI leaders say it may not be the magic bullet that some policymakers are hoping for.An emergency failsafe isn't a "panacea," Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said.AI goes out of control. It's launching a devastating cyberattack.…
Sen. Rand Paul Blocks Bill Requiring AI “Kill Switch”
The Hill reports: Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Wednesday blocked a request by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) to pass legislation that would require tech companies to develop a “kill switch” for superintelligent AI amid fears that it could spin out of control and pose an existential threat to humanity. Paul argued that an “open-ended” government … The post Sen. Rand Paul Blocks Bill Requiring AI “Kill Switch” appeared first on Joe.My.God..
Republican John Kennedy sought unanimous consent to advance his AI Emergency Button Act citing safety reasons
Rand Paul Blocks Kennedy’s AI ‘Kill Switch’ Bill in Senate
Washington, D.C. — Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., blocked an effort Wednesday by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., to advance legislation requiring developers of advanced artificial intelligence systems to include an emergency “kill switch” designed to stop models that behave dangerously or outside intended controls. Kennedy sought to pass the measure by unanimous consent, a Senate procedure that allows legislation to move quickly but also permits any single se…
John Kennedy's AI ‘kill switch’ bill killed by Rand Paul
A narrow measure offered by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) Wednesday that would’ve forced artificial intelligence companies to build a “kill switch” to prevent their advanced models from going rogue was shot down by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). The episode marked the latest instance of Congress trying and failing to advance AI legislation amid a growing […]
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