A significant bill to regulate advanced AI models has cleared California's legislature, despite growing concerns that it could hinder the very innovation it seeks to control. Sponsored by Democratic state senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, the bill, known as SB 1047, aims to establish safety measures for powerful AI systems, reflecting broad support for balancing technological advancement with public safety.
The legislation, titled the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, mandates that developers of large AI models conduct pre-deployment testing, simulate cyberattacks, implement cybersecurity safeguards, and protect whistleblowers. Despite these precautions, the bill has encountered considerable opposition from both tech industry leaders and some lawmakers.
Critics argue that imposing strict regulations on a rapidly evolving technology could slow progress and stifle innovation. Among the bill’s opponents are Democratic members of Congress, including Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who voiced concerns that the legislation, while well-intentioned, may be fundamentally flawed.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk provided conditional support for the bill, acknowledging the risks AI poses to the public and agreeing that regulation is necessary, even if unpopular. His support highlights the bill’s complex position within the tech community, where the need for regulation is weighed against the potential for innovation.
The bill now heads to California Governor Gavin Newsom for approval. While Governor Newsom’s stance on the bill remains unclear, he has until September 30 to sign or veto it. Proponents like Dan Hendricks, director of the Center for AI Safety, believe the legislation offers a necessary framework for mitigating critical AI risks.
In a bid to secure passage in Silicon Valley, lawmakers revised the bill, replacing criminal penalties with civil fines for non-compliance. Despite these adjustments, significant opposition persists, including from AI leader OpenAI, which advocates for a unified national approach to AI regulation rather than state-specific measures.
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