California Governor Vetoes AI Safety Bill
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoes Senate Bill 1047, an AI safety bill proposing regulatory measures like safety tests and a 'kill switch' for AI models.
Created on October 1|Last edited on October 1
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California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed Senate Bill 1047, an AI safety bill that sought to establish a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence across the United States. The legislation, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, proposed safety tests for advanced AI models and introduced measures like a "kill switch" for disabling potentially harmful systems. Newsom's decision to veto the bill has sparked controversy, drawing reactions from tech industry leaders, policymakers, and academics.
Concerns Raised by the Governor
In his statement, Governor Newsom explained that while the bill was well-intentioned, it did not account for the diverse range of AI models and their varied applications. He criticized the legislation for applying stringent standards to all AI technologies, irrespective of whether they were deployed in high- or low-risk scenarios. The governor also emphasized the potential harm to innovation, as the bill could have imposed restrictive measures on smaller AI models and open-source projects.
Response from the AI Community
The veto has drawn a wide range of reactions. Some industry leaders, including AI researcher and entrepreneur Andrew Ng, praised the decision, arguing that the bill could have stifled innovation and driven AI developers out of California. Many in the tech community believe that such regulations should be developed at a national level to ensure consistency and avoid pushing technology companies to relocate to less regulated regions.
However, supporters of the bill, including some AI safety advocates, expressed disappointment. They viewed the legislation as a crucial step toward managing the risks associated with AI technologies, particularly for general-purpose AI models that could pose significant safety concerns.
A Path Forward
Governor Newsom announced that he is collaborating with AI researchers, including Fei-Fei Li from Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI, to develop a more nuanced approach to AI regulation. The goal is to create legislation that is science-based and accounts for the complexities of different AI models, while also protecting innovation and public safety.
The veto of SB 1047 leaves California and the broader U.S. without a clear framework for AI regulation at a time when the technology is rapidly advancing. As discussions continue, there is a growing consensus that the federal government needs to step in and establish comprehensive policies to address the evolving landscape of AI technologies.
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