California Governor Vetoes Landmark AI Safety Bill, Citing Need for More Nuanced Approach
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB 1047, a groundbreaking bill that would have established some of the most comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) safety measures in the United States. The decision, announced on Sunday, September 29, 2024, marks a significant setback for proponents of stricter AI regulation and highlights the ongoing debate between innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
SB 1047, introduced by Democratic State Senator Scott Wiener, aimed to implement stringent safety protocols for large-scale AI models, including mandatory safety testing, the establishment of a “kill switch,” and potential legal consequences for companies whose AI systems cause severe harm. The bill would have applied to AI models costing over $100 million to develop or requiring substantial computing power.
In his veto message, Governor Newsom described the bill as “well-intentioned” but criticized its broad approach. He stated, “SB 1047 does not take into account whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data. Instead, the bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions — so long as a large system deploys it.”
The veto comes after intense lobbying efforts from both supporters and opponents of the bill. Major tech companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta, along with venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz, argued that the legislation could stifle innovation and drive AI development out of California. Conversely, proponents, including some AI researchers and public interest groups, contended that the bill was necessary to mitigate potential risks associated with advanced AI systems.
Senator Wiener expressed disappointment with the veto, calling it “a setback for everyone who believes in oversight of massive corporations that are making critical decisions that affect the safety and welfare of the public and the future of the planet.”
Despite vetoing SB 1047, Governor Newsom emphasized his commitment to responsible AI development. He announced plans to collaborate with leading AI experts, including Stanford professor Fei-Fei Li, to develop more targeted guardrails for AI deployment. Newsom also highlighted that he had signed 17 other AI-related bills in the past month, addressing issues such as deepfakes and the use of AI in elections.
The veto of SB 1047 underscores the challenges policymakers face in regulating AI technology. As the debate continues, stakeholders across the tech industry, academia, and government will be closely watching California’s next steps in approaching AI safety and regulation.
