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California’s Betrayal of the Public: AI Bill SB 1047 Sells Out to Silicon Valley Interests
In a shocking move, California lawmakers have caved to the pressure of Silicon Valley giants, gutting a crucial bill aimed at preventing AI disasters. SB 1047, once touted as a landmark measure to hold AI developers accountable for their creations, has been stripped of its teeth and reduced to a hollow shell.
The Bill’s Newfound "Reasonableness"
Senator Wiener’s office has claimed that the bill’s amendments address the concerns of AI firm Anthropic and other opponents, but the reality is far from it. The bill no longer allows the attorney general to sue AI companies for negligent safety practices before a catastrophic event has occurred. Instead, they can only request injunctive relief, essentially giving companies a free pass to continue putting profits over people.
A License to Kill?
The Frontier Model Division, a crucial agency tasked with regulating AI development, has been abolished. In its place, a new Board of Frontier Models will be created, but its powers are significantly diminished. This move is a clear attempt to appease the AI industry, which has consistently opposed any measures that would hold them accountable for their actions.
Open Source Models: A Loophole for Disaster
The bill’s amendments have also created a new loophole for open source fine-tuned models. If someone spends less than $10 million fine-tuning a covered model, they are explicitly not considered a developer. This means that the original developer of the model will bear no responsibility for its safety, creating a situation where companies can offload the risks of their creations onto unsuspecting users.
A Governor’s Dilemma
Governor Newsom has remained silent on SB 1047, but his commitment to California’s AI innovation is well-documented. However, signing this bill into law would be a betrayal of the public’s trust and a green light for companies to prioritize profits over people. On the other hand, vetoing the bill would anger the AI industry and undermine California’s position as a hub for innovation.
A Warning from Congress
Moments after the bill’s passage, eight U.S. Congress members representing California wrote a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to veto SB 1047. They warned that the bill would not protect Californians from the dangers of AI development and would instead create a toxic environment for innovation.
The Future of AI in California
As SB 1047 heads to the Assembly floor for a final vote, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for California’s AI industry? Will Governor Newsom sign the bill into law, caving to the pressure of Silicon Valley giants? Or will he take a stand and prioritize the safety and well-being of Californians? Only time will tell.
