UK AI Kill Switch Amendment
ControlAI was happy to work with Alex Sobel MP (Labor and Co-operative Party) to propose a "kill switch" amendment to the UK’s Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which is supported by over 10 cross-party MPs. This amendment would provide the Secretary of State last resort powers to direct the shutdown of data centres in the UK during AI security and operational emergencies.
Importantly, it defines superintelligence as “AI systems that can autonomously compromise national security, escape human oversight, and upend international stability”. If passed, this could be the first time that superintelligence is defined in law.
Speaking to The Telegraph about the need for the amendment, Alex Sobel said, “Co-ordinated cyberattacks on our critical infrastructure pose a serious threat, and superintelligent AI operating beyond human control could rival a nuclear strike in the harm it inflicts. The gap between these threats and our preparedness is untenable.” Alex also argued for the amendment on ControlAI’s Substack in a post titled “Britain is not sovereign without an AI kill switch”.
You can find the full text of the amendment below and on the UK Parliament website here.
