Artificial intelligence, which began its journey in California four decades ago, is now facing potential regulations in its birthplace. The state is considering legislation to oversee the research and development of powerful AI systems, prompting concerns from companies about the risks of over-regulation.
Senator Scott Wiener is spearheading the effort with Senate Bill 1047, which aims to establish safety standards for large-scale AI development. Despite resistance from AI companies, revisions to the bill have been made to address their concerns.
Senate Bill 1047, recently amended by Wiener, seeks to implement “safe development” rules for AI in California. The bill is designed to balance innovation with safety, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of AI development while preventing public safety threats. Input from AI companies like Anthropic, academia, and the public sector has led to significant changes in the bill, which now heads to the Assembly floor for a vote by the end of August.
Senate Bill 1047 Aims to Regulate AI Development in California, Sparking Industry Debate
One of the key revisions to SB 1047 involves replacing criminal penalties with civil ones, a change made in response to concerns from AI companies. The bill has also removed the creation of a new regulatory body, opting instead for a streamlined approach that still allows the state to hold AI developers accountable. These changes aim to address industry worries while maintaining the bill’s core focus on safe AI practices.
The revised SB 1047 sets new legal standards for AI developers, particularly targeting those who have invested over $10 million in fine-tuning their models. Smaller, open-source developers are exempt from these requirements.
The bill emphasizes the need for AI developers to exercise “reasonable care” in their work, with the goal of preventing harmful outcomes from powerful AI systems. The Attorney General of California would have the power to take legal action against developers if their systems cause severe harm.
Senator Wiener believes that California must take the lead in regulating AI, especially given the federal government’s slow response to technological advancements. Geoffrey Hinton, a prominent AI researcher, has endorsed SB 1047, praising its balanced approach to regulation.
The bill aims to safeguard against the misuse of advanced AI systems while fostering innovation, ensuring that California remains a leader in the AI industry.
