California governor rejects AI safety bill
California Governor Gavin Newsom has nullified a proposed law that sought to impose stricter safety standards on artificial intelligence (AI) models.
The bill, known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047), was intended to regulate AI development in the state but faced resistance from the tech industry.
Governor Newsom expressed concerns that the bill, while well-intentioned, could stifle innovation and drive tech companies out of California.
The law would have required AI developers to include safety measures such as a “kill switch” and detailed risk mitigation plans, along with giving the state attorney general the power to sue companies posing an ongoing threat through their AI technologies.
“While protecting the public is essential, this bill could have unintended consequences by placing excessive burdens on innovation,” Newsom explained in a statement.
He suggested that the bill’s requirements were too stringent, potentially slowing down progress even for basic AI functionalities.
The bill, led by Senator Scott Wiener, had garnered opposition from major tech players like OpenAI and Google, who argued that over-regulation could harm California’s reputation as a tech hub.
However, not everyone in the industry opposed the measure. Notably, Elon Musk voiced support for stronger AI oversight, sparking a larger conversation on how best to regulate this rapidly evolving technology.
Despite vetoing SB 1047, Newsom acknowledged the need for responsible AI development and called on experts to collaborate on creating more practical safety standards.
His administration has already introduced a series of laws aimed at balancing AI innovation with public safety, showing that AI regulation remains a priority.
