Gavin Newsom Vetoes AI Safety Bill Despite Overwhelming Hollywood Support
Photo Credit: Tim Wildsmith
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoes the AI safety bill SB 1047 despite its overwhelming Hollywood support.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that took aim at the ever-increasing risks of advanced generative artificial intelligence models. The bill, SB 1047, became the most hotly debated topic at the session, as numerous opponents and supporters lined up on either side.
Newsom wrote an accompanying letter with his veto, explaining that while the bill addresses a genuine issue, it does not establish the appropriate regulatory framework. “I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology,” Newsome wrote. “Ultimately, any framework for effectively regulating AI needs to keep pace with the technology itself.”
While announcing the veto over the weekend, Newsom also said he would convene experts to develop regulations to promote the safe development of AI. He says he will continue working on the issue in 2025.
Still, the news is devastating to the bill’s many supporters, which include the Hollywood actors’ union SAG-AFTRA, which has been perhaps the most outspoken on the looming threat of AI using actors and creatives’ likenesses and work without their consent.
Additionally, a group known as Artists For Safe AI released an open letter last week in support of the bill, which includes signatories J.J. Abrams, Rob Reiner, Jane Fonda, Mark Hamill, and numerous other actors, writers, and directors.
“It really stems from the fact we have experienced firsthand the dangers of one aspect of AI,” said Jeffrey Bennett, general counsel for SAG-AFTRA. “This bill seems to be the one bill that targets only the incredibly powerful expensive systems that have the capability to cause a mass critical problem. Why not regulate at that level? Why not build in some sensible, basic safety protocols at this stage of the game?”
SAG-AFTRA has supported two other AI-related bills in California this year designed to regulate the use of AI in the entertainment sector. Newsom signed both earlier this month.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings