California Lawmakers Advance Legislation to Regulate Artificial Intelligence Safety

In a groundbreaking move, California lawmakers have voted to advance legislation that would regulate artificial intelligence companies to prevent potential catastrophic harms. The bill, authored by Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener, aims to set safety standards for AI systems that could be exploited to cause harm, such as wiping out the state’s electric grid or aiding in the development of chemical weapons.

The proposed legislation would only apply to AI systems that cost more than $100 million in computing power to train, a threshold that no current models have reached as of July. Despite this, tech giants like Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) and Google have fiercely opposed the bill, arguing that it unfairly targets developers rather than those who exploit AI systems for harm.

Senator Wiener has defended the bill, emphasizing that it does not create new criminal charges for AI developers but rather sets out safety measures to mitigate risks. He has criticized opponents for spreading misinformation about the bill, clarifying that only the state attorney general would have the authority to pursue legal actions in case of violations.

Governor Gavin Newsom, a proponent of AI adoption and regulation in California, has not commented on the bill but has warned against overregulation that could put the state at risk. The proposed legislation has garnered support from renowned AI researchers and would establish a new state agency to oversee developers and provide best practices.

In addition to the AI regulation bill, state lawmakers are considering measures to combat automation discrimination in hiring practices and to protect minors’ data privacy on social media platforms. These initiatives reflect California’s proactive approach to addressing the potential risks and challenges posed by AI technology.

While opponents argue that the bill could stifle innovation and discourage open-source development, proponents believe that California cannot afford to wait for federal guidance and must take action to prevent future harms. The debate surrounding AI regulation highlights the complex ethical and practical considerations involved in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for the benefit of society.