Gavin Newsom has rejected SB 1047 but the debate over AI safety is far from over

California Governor Vetoes Controversial AI Safety Bill: Governor Gavin Newsom has rejected a proposed legislation aimed at mitigating potential catastrophic risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence models, citing concerns over the bill’s regulatory approach.

• SB 1047, the most contentious AI bill of the legislative session, sought to establish safeguards against the misuse of highly advanced AI systems for developing weapons of mass destruction.
• The bill garnered support from SAG-AFTRA and numerous Hollywood celebrities, who voiced concerns about AI’s potential threats beyond the entertainment industry.
• Governor Newsom, while acknowledging the genuine issues addressed by the bill, expressed reservations about its regulatory framework and its ability to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI technology.

Hollywood’s Stance on AI Regulation: The entertainment industry, particularly actors and artists, has shown increasing concern over the potential misuse of AI technology in their field and beyond.

• SAG-AFTRA, representing Hollywood actors, supported SB 1047 as a measure to address broader AI risks outside the entertainment realm.
• The union’s general counsel, Jeffrey Bennett, emphasized the need for regulating powerful AI systems capable of causing widespread problems.
• An open letter supporting the bill was signed by prominent figures in the industry, including J.J. Abrams, Shonda Rhimes, and Mark Hamill, among others.

Other AI-Related Legislation in California: While vetoing SB 1047, Governor Newsom has signed other AI-related bills into law, focusing on specific aspects of AI use in entertainment and content creation.

• Two bills regulating AI use in the entertainment context were signed by Newsom at SAG-AFTRA headquarters earlier this month.
• AB 2013, another AI bill signed into law, requires AI developers to disclose whether they are training their models on copyrighted work.
• The Concept Art Association supported AB 2013, viewing it as a step towards protecting artists whose work may be used in AI training datasets.

Implications for AI Development and Regulation: The veto of SB 1047 highlights the complex challenge of balancing innovation with safety concerns in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

• Opponents of the bill argued that stringent regulation could impede AI development and potentially drive AI companies out of California.
• Governor Newsom plans to convene experts to develop regulations promoting safe AI development, indicating ongoing efforts to address AI-related concerns.
• The debate surrounding SB 1047 underscores the need for a nuanced approach to AI regulation that can adapt to technological advancements while addressing potential risks.

Broader Context of AI and Copyright: The discussion around AI regulation extends beyond safety concerns to issues of copyright and fair use of creative works in AI training.

• The entertainment industry is grappling with the implications of AI models trained on vast amounts of copyrighted material.
• While AB 2013 requires disclosure of copyrighted material use in AI training, it doesn’t mandate payment for such use, leaving this contentious issue unresolved.
• Similar legislative efforts are underway at the federal level, with Hollywood unions supporting a bill proposed by Rep. Adam Schiff.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI Regulation: Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 1047 and his commitment to continuing work on AI regulation suggest that the debate over how best to manage AI development and its potential risks is far from over.

• The governor’s decision to convene experts for developing AI safety regulations indicates a recognition of the need for a more comprehensive and adaptable regulatory framework.
• The entertainment industry’s active involvement in these discussions highlights the far-reaching implications of AI technology across various sectors.
• As AI technology continues to advance, the challenge of crafting effective and balanced regulation is likely to remain at the forefront of policy discussions in California and beyond.