California Governor Vetoes Contentious AI Safety Bill
Gov.California NewsomGovernor SpikesVetoes Contentious California AI Safety Bill
The Facts
Gov. Gavin Newsom Sunday vetoed California's artificial intelligence safety bill SB 1047 that had provisions of safety testing, lawsuits, and a kill switch, among others.California Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) has vetoed an artificial intelligence (AI) safety bill that would have provided the first-in-the-US safety measures for large AI models.
The scuppered AI bill also mandated third-party testing and whistleblower protection to prevent severe harm like mass casualties or property damage.The bill, known as SB 1047, mandated third-party testing and whistleblower protections to prevent "severe harm" like mass casualties or property damage over $500M.
The Spin
Gov.The 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 effectively addressing safety concerns effectively.
Newsom has pulledretreated back from a muchcrucial necessary first step toward meaningful regulation of potentially dangerous AI technologies. SB 1047 sought to regulate AI 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 the status quo.