California Governor Vetoes Controversial AI Safety Bill

On September 30, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the controversial artificial intelligence bill SB 1047.

The bill, known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier AI Models Act, aimed to mandate safety testing of AI models and introduce strict rules, but faced strong opposition from Silicon Valley.

Newsom argued that the bill would stifle innovation and fail to address the real dangers associated with AI technologies.

Drafted by Senator Scott Wiener, SB 1047 would have required AI developers like OpenAI, Meta, and Google to implement a “circuit breaker” for their models and publish plans to mitigate risks.

The bill would also allow the state’s attorney general to sue developers if AI models pose persistent threats, such as taking over the network. Newsom criticized the bill for applying overly stringent standards to even basic AI functions, saying it’s not the right approach to protecting the public from the risks associated with artificial intelligence.

Although many lawmakers and tech companies, including OpenAI and Meta, opposed the bill, some tech leaders, such as Elon Musk, supported stricter AI regulations.

Musk, who is developing his own AI model, expressed cautious support for SB 1047, calling it a “tough choice.” Despite the veto, Newsom stressed the need for adequate AI safety measures and noted that his administration has signed over 18 AI-related bills in the last month.

On September 30, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the controversial AI bill SB 1047.