Newsom vetoes controversial California AI safety bill

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a landmark California bill that would have established the nation’s first safety regulations for artificial intelligence. The proposed legislation sought to require AI companies to test their systems, publicly disclose safety measures and provide whistleblower protections.

Proponents of the bill argued that it was a necessary step to address the risks AI poses to infrastructure and public safety, with potential threats ranging from manipulating electric grids to creating chemical weapons.

However, Newsom opposed the bill, stating its strict requirements could hinder innovation by imposing regulations even on low-risk AI systems.

California is home to 32 of the world’s top 50 AI companies.

Newsom expressed concern that the legislation could drive developers out of the state. Instead, he announced a partnership with AI industry leaders to create more flexible safety guidelines.

While the veto is seen as a win for tech companies, experts warn that it leaves rapidly advancing AI systems unregulated.

Supporters of the bill, including Elon Musk’s X and AI firm Anthropic, argued that it could have introduced much-needed transparency in an industry that remains largely unregulated.

Critics of the bill feared the regulations might discourage investment and development, particularly in open-source software. Despite the veto, similar efforts are already inspiring lawmakers in other states to explore AI safety measures.

California continues to lead AI development, with the state already working to combat election deepfakes, protect Hollywood workers from unauthorized likeness use and prevent AI-driven discrimination in hiring practices. 

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has proposed an AI Bill of Rights, but federal legislation regulating the rapidly growing industry has yet to be introduced.