The bill 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.
Newsom has retreated from a crucial first step toward meaningful regulation of potentially dangerous AI technologies. SB 1047 sought to regulate AI to prevent catastrophic harm while encouraging responsible development. Newsom's veto is a missed opportunity, compromising proactive governance and preserving the status quo.
There's a 55% chance that the US will have passed legislation that requires cybersecurity around AI models before 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.