United States of America: Right to Compute Act (SB 212) including provisions on shutdown of artificial intelligence controlled critical infrastructure was introduced to Montana Senate

On 24 January 2025, the Right to Compute Act including requiring shutdowns of artificial intelligence (AI) controlled critical infrastructure was introduced to the Montana Senate. The Act applies to private entities that use AI systems to manage critical infrastructure, requiring them to implement shutdown capabilities that allow for a return to human control. The Act aims to safeguard the right to own and use computational resources and ensure human control can be restored swiftly. It mandates that deployers of critical infrastructure systems establish and annually review risk management policies with fallback mechanisms. It emphasises limiting government restrictions on computational resources to scenarios with a compelling public health or safety interest, including managing deepfake risks and maintaining infrastructure security. The Act includes a risk management framework for AI deployers, provisions to uphold intellectual property rights, and clarification on federal law pre-emption.