California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill 1047, a piece of legislation aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) systems within the state, citing concerns over its approach and scope. Newsom emphasized the need for a bill that more accurately reflects the empirical analysis of AI systems and their capabilities, arguing that the current bill’s focus on large-scale AI models neglects the potential risks posed by smaller, specialized models. He also highlighted the bill’s failure to consider the deployment context of AI systems, their decision-making capacity, and how they handle sensitive data.
Despite the veto, Newsom expressed a clear interest in enacting effective AI regulation, calling for a revised bill that addresses these issues. The vetoed bill had proposed stringent requirements for AI developers, including technical controls to prevent misuse, mandatory kill switches, cybersecurity measures, auditing, safety protocols, and whistleblower protections. It specifically targeted models requiring significant investment and computational power.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a setback for tech oversight and others applauding it as a prudent move to ensure regulations keep pace with technological advancements. Newsom’s action reflects a broader debate on how to balance innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving field of AI, underscoring California’s pivotal role in shaping the future of tech regulation.
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