Governor Newsom on California AI bill SB 1047: ‘I can’t solve for everything’
TechCrunchSEP 2024
Gov. Gavin Newsom was right to veto Senator Scott Wiener’s AI bill as it risked stifling innovation, particularly among smaller AI companies and open-source developers. It focused on hypothetical risks rather than practical, targeted safety solutions. Newsom's decision preserves California's leadership in AI by promoting a more balanced, science-based approach to regulation that supports innovation while addressing safety concerns effectively.
Newsom has pulled back from a much necessary first step toward meaningful regulation of potentially dangerous AI technologies. SB 1047 sought to prevent catastrophic harm while encouraging responsible development. Despite some imperfections, its passage would have signalled the state’s commitment to regulating AI before serious damage occurs. Newsom’s veto is a missed opportunity compromising proactive governance and preserving status quo.
There is a 55% chance the US will have passed legislation that requires cybersecurity around AI models before 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.