Kill Switch
An emergency mechanism designed to immediately halt or shut down an AI system when it exhibits dangerous, uncontrolled or harmful behaviour.
In plain language
An emergency off button for AI. If an AI system starts behaving dangerously or unpredictably, the kill switch immediately shuts it down without delay.
Why this matters
A kill switch is a fundamental governance and safety requirement for AI systems. Your framework must mandate that all deployed AI systems include the ability to be immediately shut down by authorised personnel without requiring circumventing normal procedures. This is especially critical for AI systems with real-world effects or access to sensitive systems.
Relevance
GovernanceKill switches are a mandatory safety control that reduce harm by enabling rapid shutdown of malfunctioning or compromised AI systems.
Related terms
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