California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially vetoed a contentious artificial intelligence safety bill aimed at requiring developers to implement safeguards to prevent critical harms associated with AI technologies. Authored by Democratic Senator Scott Wiener, the legislation would have mandated that AI models costing at least $100 million undergo rigorous safety testing before their public release. In his veto, Newsom described the bill as “well-intentioned” but lacking the necessary flexibility to effectively address potential catastrophic risks posed by advanced AI systems.
Senator Wiener expressed disappointment at the veto, calling it a setback for those advocating for oversight over large corporations that make crucial decisions impacting public safety and welfare. The bill’s objective was to establish a framework for accountability, enabling the state attorney general to sue developers for serious harms caused by their AI models. Although the legislation aimed to enhance AI safety, it faced ongoing criticism from major tech companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI, which have voluntarily committed to developing safer AI practices.
In response to the veto, Newsom emphasized the need for adaptive and science-based regulations that consider the deployment contexts of AI systems, particularly in high-risk environments. He highlighted that the bill applied overly stringent standards to even basic AI functions and asserted that a more nuanced approach is necessary for protecting the public from the real threats posed by emerging technologies. Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised Newsom for recognizing the importance of enabling small entrepreneurs and academic institutions to thrive without being overshadowed by large tech companies.
Despite the setback, Newsom remains committed to advancing AI regulation in California, having signed 17 other AI-related bills in the past month. These measures focus on various aspects of AI governance, including risk assessments for critical infrastructure and the handling of personal information by AI systems. As California continues to lead the way in tech regulation, the governor has enlisted the expertise of AI specialists to help craft adaptable frameworks that prioritize public safety while fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
