California Governor Gavin Newsom has made the decision to veto Senate Bill 1047, a bill that aimed to regulate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the state. Authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, the bill would have held developers of AI models responsible for implementing safety protocols to prevent “critical harms.” However, this decision has sparked a debate among technology companies, lawmakers, and experts about the need for regulations in the rapidly developing AI industry.
SB 1047 specifically targeted AI models that cost at least $100 million and use 10^26 FLOPS (floating point operations, a measure of computation) during training. This would have included some of the largest and most powerful AI models currently being developed. The bill received opposition from various stakeholders in Silicon Valley, including companies like OpenAI and high-profile technologists like Yann LeCun. U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat, also opposed the bill. However, it is worth noting that the bill had been amended based on suggestions from AI company Anthropic and other opponents.
Governor Newsom stated in his veto message that while SB 1047 was well-intentioned, it did not consider important factors such as whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making, or uses sensitive data. He argued that applying stringent standards to even the most basic functions of AI, as long as a large system deploys it, is not the best approach to protect the public from real threats posed by the technology. This reasoning demonstrates the complexity of regulating AI technologies and the need for nuanced considerations.
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, also criticized the bill as “well-intentioned but ill-informed,” supporting Governor Newsom’s decision to veto it. Pelosi praised the recognition of the opportunity and responsibility shared by all to prioritize the dominance of small entrepreneurs and academia over big tech in shaping AI regulation.
Governor Newsom’s office highlighted that he has signed several bills related to the regulation and deployment of AI technology in the past month. The office stated that Newsom has sought the expertise of individuals such as Fei-Fei Li, Tino Cuéllar, and Jennifer Tour Chayes to develop workable guidelines for deploying AI technologies. Fei-Fei Li, regarded as the “godmother of AI,” has previously expressed concerns that SB 1047 would harm the AI ecosystem in California.
Although Wiener expressed disappointment in the veto, he acknowledged that the debate around SB 1047 has brought attention to the issue of AI safety on an international level. The bill, even with its veto, has sparked discussions about the role of regulations in the AI industry and the need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring public safety.
Governor Newsom’s decision not to sign SB 1047 does not mean that AI regulations are off the table. Instead, it presents an opportunity for further dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to develop comprehensive guidelines that address AI’s potential risks while fostering its growth. The ethical and practical implications of AI technologies require careful consideration to create a regulatory framework that facilitates innovation while minimizing potential harm.
As AI continues to advance and permeate various aspects of society, it is crucial for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to engage in ongoing discussions about responsible development and deployment of AI. Finding the right balance between innovation and regulation will be critical in shaping the future of AI and ensuring its beneficial and ethical use.
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