California’s legislative push on AI: new laws signed, controversial bill vetoed

California’s Legislative Push on AI: New Laws Signed, Controversial Bill Vetoed

In the month of September, California Governor Gavin Newsom faced a deluge of legislative proposals focused on artificial intelligence (AI), as more than 30 bills crossed his desk, aimed at defining and regulating the rapidly evolving technology. These legislative endeavours range from mandating transparency in AI system training data to restricting AI’s overreliance in critical sectors such as healthcare.

Transparency and Accountability: AB 2013

Among the enacted legislation, AB 2013 stands out, having been signed into law on September 28. This bill focuses on transparency in AI development, obligating developers to disclose detailed information about the datasets used in training generative AI technologies. These are systems capable of learning from data and generating new content, which could have significant implications for sectors like media, entertainment, and public policy.

Effective from January 1, 2026, AB 2013 mandates that AI developers publish documentation on their websites revealing the sources, ownership, protection status, and the nature of data used in the AI’s development. It also requires disclosures regarding any personal information involved and the purpose of data manipulation practices. Notably, the bill includes exemptions for AI systems released before 2022, unless they have undergone significant modification.

Contentious Bill Vetoed: SB 1047

Contrasting AB 2013’s approval, Governor Newsom decided to veto SB 1047 on September 29. The bill sought to impose stringent obligations on developers and operators of large AI models. It aimed at preventing potential critical harm from AI misuse by enforcing technical controls, safety protocols, and regular audits. This proposed legislation faced resistance from major tech corporations, which argued that its broad scope was unfeasible and infringed upon developers’ rights.

Governor Newsom’s veto was accompanied by a message emphasising the need for adaptable regulation informed by empirical evidence. He expressed concern that focusing solely on large-scale AI models could overlook risks from smaller systems. He also pointed out the necessity to align regulations with the risk levels associated with specific AI deployments.

Additional Enacted Bills: Broad Applications

Even with the veto of SB 1047, Governor Newsom enacted several other AI-related bills covering a wide array of applications:

• Entertainment: Laws such as AB 2602 and AB 1836 regulate the use of AI in creating digital replicas of performers, ensuring consent from actors and their estates.

• Elections: AB 2655, AB 2839, and AB 2355 focus on combating AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes in the political arena, requiring platforms to label or remove deceptive content.

• Misinformation and Deepfakes: SB 942 and SB 926 target the labelling of AI-generated content and criminalise blackmail involving AI-generated images.

• Consumer Protection: AB 1008 clarifies definitions within the California Consumer Privacy Act to include personal information managed by AI systems.

• Healthcare: AB 3030 and SB 1120 ensure AI used in healthcare communications and decision-making includes human oversight and avoids discriminatory practices.

• Education: AB 2876 and SB 1288 address AI literacy, instructing educational authorities to integrate AI understanding into curricula and develop guidelines for AI use in schools.

Looking Ahead

The current legislative moves demonstrate California’s commitment to navigate the complexities of AI regulation, with both opportunities and challenges ahead. While the veto of SB 1047 is seen by some as a missed opportunity for stringent oversight, the enactment of AB 2013 and other sector-specific laws suggests a cautious yet progressive path in harnessing AI’s potential. As AI continues to proliferate and impact diverse domains, the next legislative session is expected to introduce further measures, aiming to balance innovation with safety and ethical responsibility in this burgeoning technology field.

Source: Noah Wire Services