California Governor Vetoes Controversial AI Bill
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed a contentious bill intended to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), which had been approved by the Legislature in August. The bill, known as Senate Bill 1047 or the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, had sparked a heated debate over AI regulations.
Details of the Vetoed Bill
If the bill had been signed into law, it would have necessitated the testing of AI models to ensure they do not lead to mass death, attacks on public infrastructure, or cyberattacks. The legislation also proposed the creation of whistleblower protections and a public cloud for the development of AI for public benefit. Moreover, the bill aimed to establish the Board of Frontier Models, a state entity in California, to oversee the development of AI models.
Reasons for the Veto
In his veto, Newsom expressed concerns that the bill could stifle innovation, which is crucial for public good advancement. He also criticized the bill for its blanket regulation of AI and lack of empirical analysis of the actual threats posed by AI. The governor also disagreed with the bill's focus on costly AI models, arguing that less expensive AI models could pose just as much of a threat to the public good or critical infrastructure.
Reactions to the Veto
The bill's author, San Francisco Democratic Senator Scott Wiener, described the veto as a missed opportunity for California to lead in innovative tech regulation. The bill had garnered support from various quarters, including Elon Musk, AI startup Anthropic, the Center for AI Safety, tech equity nonprofit Encode Justice, and the National Organization for Women, among others. However, it faced opposition from tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI, who argued that the bill would undermine the California economy and the AI industry.
Future of AI Regulation in California
Despite vetoing the bill, Newsom stated that he believes California must pass a law to regulate AI and committed to working with the Legislature, federal partners, and others to find the appropriate path forward, including legislation and regulation. In September, Newsom signed approximately a dozen bills on various AI regulations, including Assembly Bill 2655, which protects voters from deep fakes and the unauthorized use of their likeness.
Bottom Line
The veto of SB 1047 marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over AI regulation. While it's clear that there's a need for regulation to protect the public and critical infrastructure, finding the right balance between safeguarding interests and fostering innovation remains a challenge. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you agree with Governor Newsom's decision to veto the bill? Share your thoughts with your friends and consider signing up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
