California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a controversial bill. The bill concerns artificial intelligence (AI). In a press release dated September 29, Newsom stated that SB 1047 focuses too much on regulation, without protecting the public from real threats.
Newsom considers that this project would slow down innovation without guaranteeing public safety in the face of the risks posed by AI. Known as the “Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act”, SB 1047 provoked strong reactions in Silicon Valley.
It proposed mandatory safety tests for AI models and other safeguards that technology companies see as likely to stifle innovation.
The Bill’s Effectiveness Called Into Question
Mr. Newsom was against the bill because the proposed regulations did not address the real problems. He cited the imposition of strict standards for innocuous functions.
In fact, SB 1047 would have forced AI leaders such as OpenAI, Meta, and Google to equip their most advanced models with a “kill switch”. This device would have made it possible to interrupt an out-of-control AI before it caused irreversible damage.
Aware of the stakes involved, Gavin Newsom enlisted the help of the world’s leading AI security specialists to design robust safeguards. At the same time, he has tasked state agencies with deepening their analyses of the risks associated with artificial intelligence. In particular, those associated with catastrophic events.
In his view, it is imperative to put robust safety protocols in place before a catastrophe occurs.
Politicians and Big Tech Companies Against the Bill
Prior to Newsom’s decision, the bill came under heavy criticism from lawmakers, advisors, and tech giants like OpenAI. They warned that it would significantly hamper the growth of AI.
The head of AI policy at the Abundance Institute, Neil Chilson, warned that the bill primarily targeted models of a certain cost and size (over $100 million). However, its scope could easily be widened to crack down on smaller developers.
However, a few are in favor of the bill. Such is the case of Elon Musk. Indeed, the billionaire has developed his own AI model called “Grok”. Musk is one of the few tech leaders who support the bill and broader AI regulations.
These pending bills could not only have a positive impact for the AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency sectors, but also stimulate its development by creating a more stable and attractive environment for investors. It is essential, then, to follow these developments closely in order to seize the new opportunities that will emerge.
