California’s state Assembly has recently approved a significant artificial intelligence safety bill, SB 1047, which mandates that companies ensure their technologies do not cause substantial harm. This legislation has sparked a mix of criticism and support from various national figures.

What does SB 1047 entail?

The bill requires companies developing powerful AI models to exercise “reasonable care” to prevent severe harm, including mass casualties or property damage exceeding $500 million. Introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener, it passed the state Senate in May and was approved by the Assembly with 41 votes in favor and 9 against.

Key provisions of the bill

SB 1047 includes several critical requirements:

• Implementation of a kill switch to deactivate technology at any time.
• Third-party testing of AI models to minimize grave risks.
• Whistleblower protections for employees reporting safety concerns.

Companies failing to comply could face lawsuits from the California attorney general.

Reactions from the tech community

While some tech leaders and venture capitalists have criticized the bill as government overreach, others in the AI sector have shown support. Notably, Elon Musk expressed his backing, despite acknowledging the potential backlash. Anthropic, a competitor of OpenAI, cautiously supported the bill after amendments were made based on their suggestions.

Concerns about innovation

Opponents, including prominent politicians such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and US Representative Ro Khanna, argue that the bill could hinder California’s leadership in AI innovation. They emphasize that the technology is still developing and should not be heavily regulated at this stage.

Future of the bill

As SB 1047 moves to Governor Gavin Newsom for a confirmation vote, the debate over its implications for the tech industry continues. Wiener has defended the bill, stating that it only applies to companies spending over $100 million on training large models, thereby exempting most smaller startups. He believes California has a responsibility to lead in the absence of federal regulation.

The ongoing discussions surrounding SB 1047 highlight the delicate balance between innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

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