Trump dismisses AI safety concerns as hoax, rejects calls for safeguards

Washington — President Joe Biden reiterated the administration’s call for stronger safeguards on artificial‑intelligence systems after Anthropic co‑founder Jack Clark told the BBC that a mandatory “kill switch” may be required to curb potential risks. In remarks delivered at a White House technology forum, Biden emphasized the need for “clear, enforceable standards” that would ensure AI tools can be shut down quickly if they pose a threat to public safety or national security, echoing growing bipartisan concerns about unchecked AI deployment.

Clark, speaking to the BBC’s technology correspondent, argued that without a built‑in mechanism to deactivate advanced models, regulators would lack a critical tool to prevent harmful outcomes, ranging from misinformation amplification to autonomous weaponization. His comments have intensified discussions in Congress, where legislators are drafting legislation that could mandate such safety features for high‑risk AI systems. The administration indicated it will work with industry leaders and lawmakers to develop technical standards and oversight frameworks, aiming to balance innovation with the protection of citizens and infrastructure.