California Governor Vetoes AI Safety Bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a major AI safety bill that promised to set new regulatory standards for artificial intelligence.

At a Glance

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom blocked a landmark AI safety bill.
The bill faced strong opposition from major technology companies.
Newsom argued the bill could stifle innovation and drive AI developers out of California.
The veto is seen as a win for big tech companies and AI developers.

Governor Newsom’s Veto of AI Safety Bill

Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a significant AI safety bill that aimed to impose some of the first regulations on artificial intelligence in the United States. The bill had passed nearly unanimously in both houses of California’s Legislature. However, Newsom blocked it, citing potential adverse effects on innovation.

This bill would have required developers of advanced AI models to submit their systems for safety testing and incorporate a “kill switch” to shut down threatening AI systems. Additionally, it mandated official oversight for developing powerful AI systems known as “Frontier Models.”

Newsom criticized the legislation, asserting that it imposed stringent standards on basic AI functions without considering their deployment contexts. He expressed concerns that the bill could stifle innovation and prompt AI developers to relocate to other states.

Opposition and Support

The proposed bill drew considerable opposition from major technology companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which argued that such regulations could hinder AI development. These firms, along with prominent Democrats, warned that the legislation could inhibit technological progress in California, a state that hosts many leading AI companies.

Critics of the veto, such as Senator Scott Wiener, the bill’s author, expressed concerns that this decision would allow unchecked development of powerful AI technology. Further, some lawmakers and academics who supported the bill argued that it was essential to set safety and accountability standards as AI became more integrated into critical decision-making processes.

California governor Gavin Newsom vetoes controversial AI safety bill https://t.co/uLFXjFyvD6

— Guardian US (@GuardianUS) September 29, 2024

Newsom’s Alternative Proposals

Despite vetoing the bill, Governor Newsom announced plans to develop AI safeguards with expert assistance. Specifically, he emphasized the need for a more tailored approach to regulation, suggesting that lawmakers should rewrite the bill for the next legislative session to better address the risks and harms posed by advanced AI systems.

Newsom stated, “I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology. The bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions — so long as a large system deploys it.” He further suggested focusing on regulating specific application scenarios that may pose real dangers in the future.

Impact on the Industry

California’s decision to veto the AI safety bill is expected to have significant ramifications. The state has long been at the forefront of technological innovation, and any regulatory actions taken here are likely to influence national and global standards.

Analyst Wei Sun suggested, “AI, as a general-purpose technology, is still in its early stages, so restricting the technology itself, as proposed, is premature. Instead, it would be more beneficial to regulate specific application scenarios that may cause harm in the future.”

Overall, Governor Newsom’s veto marks a contentious moment in the ongoing debate over how best to regulate burgeoning AI technologies while preserving the innovative climate that has defined California’s tech industry. The controversy is likely to continue as lawmakers and stakeholders grapple with balancing safety and progress.