Governor Newsom vetoes AI regulation bill, sparking debate

In a move that has sparked significant debate among various stakeholders, California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a proposed legislative bill designed to regulate the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). The legislation, known as SB-1047 or the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, aimed to establish a regulatory framework for AI development in California—home to a significant number of AI developers and companies.

The proposed bill represented one of the earliest comprehensive efforts by a US state to place definitive limits on AI technologies, which are presently enjoying unregulated expansion. SB-1047 sought to introduce protocols that would influence not just local developers but could potentially set a precedent affecting the AI industry worldwide. Key measures in the bill included the implementation of “killswitch” capabilities for AI models, restrictions on the use of AI to only its intended purposes, and mandatory annual audits conducted by third-party entities starting in 2026 to ensure compliance with its provisions.

Governor Newsom, in his official rejection of the bill, expressed concerns over its approach. He stated, “I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology.” Newsom reasoned that the bill imposed overly stringent standards that might hinder even the development of basic AI functions. Despite the veto, the governor has not dismissed the idea of AI legislation entirely. He has encouraged lawmakers to revisit and refine the proposal, further bolstering their effort by assembling a team of technology experts, including academics such as Jennifer Tour Chayes from UC Berkeley and Fei-Fei Li from Stanford University.

The legislative attempt underscores the growing demand for robust AI regulation, an issue gaining increased attention as AI technology continues to evolve with minimal oversight. While the US Congress has yet to pass federal laws addressing AI, other regions like the European Union have initiated steps with the AI Act, which requires AI-generated content to be clearly labelled. Nonetheless, comprehensive global regulation remains elusive due to the rapid innovation cycle and complex nature of AI technologies.

Reactions to Newsom’s veto have been mixed and cross various sectors. Prominent technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Meta expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns over its potential to stifle innovation. OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, cautioned that the bill could drive California’s top engineering talent out of the state.

Conversely, some voices from within the tech industry, such as AI startup Anthropic, showed a willingness to support the bill if revised, indicating possible amendments could address initial concerns. Among the bill’s ardent supporters was Elon Musk, who argued in favour of regulating AI as one would any potentially risky technology. Musk and other signatories had previously advocated for a temporary halt in developing advanced AI systems to assess associated risks adequately.

Interestingly, the bill has also attracted support from unexpected quarters, including a coalition of Hollywood celebrities and academics. A letter of endorsement signed by 120 prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Judd Apatow and Whoopi Goldberg, warned of AI’s threat to creative professions. Similarly, a group of academics, including the renowned “godfather of AI,” Geoffrey Hinton, emphasised the need for cautious deliberation before deploying powerful AI models.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this unfolding scenario is the diverse coalition forming around the need to address AI’s impact. This coalition includes developers, legislators, tech entrepreneurs, artists, and researchers, showing the multifaceted influence AI wields across different domains. As California contemplates its next steps, the discussion surrounding SB-1047 may provide a framework for evolving conversations on managing AI’s potential and accompanying challenges.

Source: Noah Wire Services