California governor vetoes landmark AI safety bill

Newsom expressed concerns that the bill could hamper innovation and potentially drive AI developers out of the state.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has blocked a significant bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI), following opposition from major tech companies. The bill sought to establish some of the first AI regulations in the U.S.

Newsom expressed concerns that the bill could hamper innovation and potentially drive AI developers out of the state. Senator Scott Wiener, the bill's author, criticized the veto, stating that it leaves AI development unchecked by government oversight.

The proposed legislation would have mandated safety testing for advanced AI models and required developers to include a "kill switch," allowing systems to be shut down if they posed a threat. It also called for official oversight of powerful "Frontier Models" — the most advanced AI systems.

In his explanation, Newsom argued that the bill was too broad, applying stringent standards to even basic AI functions rather than focusing on high-risk applications or those involving sensitive data.

However, Newsom also announced new plans to protect the public from AI risks, seeking advice from experts to create proper safeguards. In recent weeks, he signed 17 other bills, including measures targeting misinformation and deepfakes generated by AI.

California, home to major AI companies like OpenAI, is a key player in the global tech landscape. Any regulations passed in the state would have significant national and global implications.

Wiener voiced disappointment, arguing that the veto leaves AI companies free from U.S. policy constraints, as Congress has yet to make significant progress on regulating the tech industry. Several major companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta, had warned that the bill could impede AI development.