California Governor Vetoes Groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Safety Bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have established the first-ever state-level safety measures for large artificial intelligence (AI) models. The decision deals a significant blow to efforts to regulate the rapidly evolving AI industry.

Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of Senate Bill 1047 represents a major setback for attempts to establish safeguards around AI and its rapid evolution. The legislation faced staunch opposition from startups, tech giants, and even some Democratic lawmakers.

California Governor Vetoes Groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Safety Bill

Despite earlier statements expressing California's role as a leader in regulating AI, Newsom argued that S.B. 1047 could harm the state's homegrown industry by imposing strict requirements. He emphasized that the bill "does not take into account whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making, or the use of sensitive data."

In place of the legislation, Newsom announced a partnership with industry experts to develop safety measures for powerful AI models. However, supporters of S.B. 1047 believe that voluntary commitments from industry are not enforceable and often fail to protect the public.

California Governor Vetoes Groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Safety Bill

The bill aimed to prevent manipulation of AI models for harmful purposes, such as disrupting the state's electric grid or assisting in the development of chemical weapons. It also sought to provide whistleblower protection to industry workers.

Senator Scott Weiner, the bill's author, expressed disappointment over the veto. "The companies developing advanced AI systems acknowledge that the risks these models present to the public are real and rapidly increasing," he said.

California Governor Vetoes Groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Safety Bill

Tech billionaire Elon Musk had endorsed the measure, along with several AI experts who believe that large-scale AI models remain poorly understood and pose significant risks.

S.B. 1047 would have addressed AI systems that require significant computing power and over $100 million to build. No current models meet this threshold, but experts anticipate this may change within the next year.

California Governor Vetoes Groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Safety Bill

S.B. 1047 fell short of comprehensive European regulations but was seen as a step in the right direction by its supporters. Critics argued that it would stifle innovation and discourage AI investment in California.

California's AI landscape has been marked by a flurry of legislative proposals this year. While some have not advanced, others remain under consideration, including measures to combat AI discrimination in hiring practices.

Newsom's veto signals a balancing act between protecting California's status as an AI leader and addressing concerns about the technology's potential risks. The debate over AI safety is likely to continue as the industry evolves and lawmakers grapple with the challenges of regulation.