California’s governor has the chance to make AI history
- SB 1047, a bill regulating advanced AI models, has passed the California State Assembly and Senate with strong support.
- The bill proposes the creation of a state agency to oversee AI safety, prompting significant lobbying from the business sector concerned about regulatory overreach.
- Governor Newsom's decision on the bill could impact his political future, as many voters may react negatively if he chooses to veto it.
California's SB 1047, a proposal to regulate advanced AI models, has passed both the State Assembly and Senate with significant support. The bill aims to establish a state agency, the 'Frontier Models Division,' to oversee AI safety plans, which has drawn intense lobbying from the business community concerned about potential overreach. Proponents argue that oversight is necessary due to the powerful and potentially dangerous nature of future AI systems, citing concerns from leading AI researchers like Bengio and Hinton, who advocate for regulation. However, opposition exists, particularly from figures like LeCun, who argue against imposing liability on AI companies for mass casualty events. Governor Gavin Newsom faces pressure to sign the bill, with public sentiment divided; a significant portion of voters may penalize him politically if he vetoes it. The outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for AI safety not only in California but across the United States and globally.