Headline: Governor Newsom Vetoes Groundbreaking AI Safety Bill, Sparking Industry Debate Tags: Gavin Newsom, AI regulation, California, artificial int

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a landmark bill aimed at implementing the nation’s first safety measures for large artificial intelligence models. This decision is seen as a setback for efforts to regulate a rapidly evolving industry that currently operates with minimal oversight.

The proposed legislation, SB 1047, sought to establish critical regulations for large-scale AI systems, with supporters arguing it would serve as a model for future AI safety measures nationwide. Newsom had previously indicated the need for California to lead in AI regulation but expressed concerns that the bill could “have a chilling effect on the industry.”

In his statement, Newsom criticized the bill for applying stringent standards to even basic functions of AI systems, regardless of their risk level. He noted that the proposal failed to consider the context in which an AI system is deployed, such as its potential use in high-stakes scenarios involving sensitive data.

In lieu of the vetoed bill, Newsom announced plans to collaborate with industry experts, including AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, to develop alternative safety guidelines for powerful AI models. Li had previously opposed the AI safety proposal.

State Senator Scott Wiener, the author of SB 1047, expressed disappointment, stating that the bill was meticulously crafted in consultation with leading AI experts and technology companies. “This is a major missed opportunity for California to lead on tech regulation and AI safety,” he lamented.

The legislation aimed to mitigate potential risks associated with AI, mandating companies to test their models and disclose safety protocols to prevent misuse, such as attacks on critical infrastructure. It also included whistleblower protections for workers. Proponents, including tech leaders like Elon Musk, argued that the bill would have introduced necessary transparency and accountability in an industry grappling with ethical concerns.

Despite the veto, the California proposal has sparked interest among lawmakers in other states, who may pursue similar measures in future legislative sessions. As the U.S. lags behind Europe in AI regulation, experts warn of the urgent need for guidelines to address issues like job displacement and privacy violations.

Newsom’s decision reflects ongoing tensions between regulatory efforts and the desire to maintain California’s status as a hub for innovation. While he has signed other legislation targeting deepfakes and unauthorized AI use in Hollywood, the veto of SB 1047 illustrates the complex balance between fostering growth and ensuring safety in the rapidly advancing AI landscape.