California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially vetoed SB 1047, a proposed AI safety bill that aimed to hold AI developers accountable for severe harm caused by their technologies. The veto, announced on September 29, 2024, has significant implications for the future of AI regulation in the state [d64b1fc8].
SB 1047, introduced by Democratic state senator Scott Wiener, sought to establish clear liability for AI developers in cases of catastrophic events, including loss of life or damages exceeding $500 million. The bill also included provisions for a safety report submission by developers and the establishment of a Board of Frontier Models to oversee compliance [d64b1fc8]. However, it faced strong opposition from prominent Democrats and tech firms, including Meta and OpenAI, who argued that the legislation could hinder innovation and slow down advancements in the AI sector [d64b1fc8].
In his veto statement, Newsom described the legislation as 'well-intentioned' but overly stringent, suggesting that it could create a 'false sense of security' regarding AI safety. He emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to regulation, stating that he plans to consult with experts, including AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, to develop more effective regulations in the future [d64b1fc8].
Senator Wiener expressed disappointment over the veto, calling it a 'missed opportunity' for corporate oversight and accountability in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The bill's proposed requirements for AI companies to ensure their technologies wouldn't cause severe harm and to maintain a kill switch were seen as necessary safeguards by its supporters, which included notable figures like Elon Musk and various AI researchers [d64b1fc8].
Despite the veto of SB 1047, Newsom did sign SB 896, which regulates the use of AI by state agencies, indicating a continued commitment to addressing AI safety and accountability, albeit through a different legislative approach [d64b1fc8]. As the debate over AI regulation continues, California remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding the balance between innovation and safety in technology [d64b1fc8].