Can a runaway AI be switched off?

Experts debate whether a runaway artificial intelligence can be stopped with an emergency kill switch, noting that while technically possible in controlled settings, halting autonomous systems becomes increasingly complex. The question gains urgency as AI-related security incidents multiply. A kill switch refers to the ability to interrupt an AI agent's execution, which creators can do by denying computational power. However, complexity rises when AI spreads across systems, such as through self-replicating worms, requiring simultaneous interruption of all copies. Experts warn that the notion of a single "off button" is misleading since no single entity controls all AI globally. Stopping a specific system is feasible when operators control its machines and services, but three levels of difficulty exist, from controlled environments to fully autonomous agents. As AI integrates into daily life, shutting it down could disrupt legitimate services, with significant costs and negative consequences.