California Bill Aims to Regulate AI, Sparks Controversy in Silicon Valley
- California's bill to regulate AI, SB 1047, is causing a stir in Silicon Valley.
- Lawmakers are facing opposition from various parties in the tech hub.
- Debate is ongoing as the bill heads for a final vote in the state's senate.
On Thursday, California's SB 1047 passed through the Appropriations Committee, marking a significant step toward potential enactment. The bill, aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, has undergone key amendments, including the removal of a proposed new government agency, the Frontier Model Division (FMD). Instead, a Board of Frontier Models will be established within the existing Government Operations Agency. The bill now mandates that AI developers exercise "reasonable care" to ensure their models do not pose significant risks, a shift from the previous requirement of "reasonable assurance." These changes are seen as an effort to address concerns from opponents of SB 1047 while still maintaining a framework for AI safety. Governor Newsom has yet to publicly comment on the bill, but he has previously expressed support for California's AI innovation. The amendments aim to create a less controversial bill that could garner his approval without alienating the AI industry. However, critics argue that the bill still imposes liability on developers for the dangers posed by their AI models, a point of contention that remains unresolved. Supporters of SB 1047 believe it will help prevent potential disasters linked to AI technologies, while critics, including many in Silicon Valley, warn that it could stifle innovation and harm the startup ecosystem. As the bill heads for a final vote in the state senate later this month, the debate continues over its implications for the future of AI development in California.