Opposition is faced by California’s AI Safety Bill from OpenAI and Tech Industry 🤖

OpenAI Opposes California’s AI Safety Bill

OpenAI, the company known for ChatGPT, has taken a stand against the proposed California Senate Bill 1047 (SB 1047) that seeks to regulate AI technologies.

Introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener in February 2024, the bill mandates that AI companies must conduct thorough safety assessments of their models before releasing them to the public.

OpenAI’s Position on SB 1047

Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon expressed concerns that the bill could hinder economic growth and innovation in California.
Kwon argued that the state’s prominence in AI could be at risk if the bill is enforced.

OpenAI Joins Tech Industry Pushback

Other tech industry players like Google, Meta, and Andreessen Horowitz also oppose SB 1047.
These companies advocate for federal regulation over state laws for more clarity and certainty.

Senator Wiener’s Response

Senator Wiener refuted OpenAI’s claims, stating that the arguments against SB 1047 lack merit.
He clarified that the bill would apply to all AI developers operating in California.

Amendments to SB 1047

Senator Wiener has made significant amendments to SB 1047 based on feedback from the tech industry:

The bill now focuses on comprehensive safety evaluations for AI models before release.
It includes provisions to shut down models posing significant risks.

Tech Industry Opposition

Despite amendments, OpenAI and other tech companies continue to oppose SB 1047:

They argue that responsibility for AI misuse should lie with the abusers, not developers.
Some critics, including Nancy Pelosi, describe the bill as well-intentioned but misguided.

Next Steps for SB 1047

SB 1047 has passed through California’s Appropriations Committee and is set for a final vote in the state’s Assembly:

If approved, the bill could reach Governor Newsom’s desk by August 2024.
The governor’s stance on SB 1047 remains unknown, but signing it into law may provoke industry pushback.

The Importance of Responsible AI Governance

Proponents uphold SB 1047 as a crucial step towards ensuring responsible AI governance:

They argue that proactive regulation is necessary to address potential risks associated with advanced AI systems.

Hot Take: Potential Impacts of SB 1047

As California’s SB 1047 faces opposition from OpenAI and other tech companies, the outcome of the bill could shape the future of AI regulation in the state.