### Newsom Vetoes Groundbreaking AI Safety Bill, Citing Industry Concerns

In an unexpected turn, California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a pioneering bill aimed at establishing safety protocols for large artificial intelligence (AI) models. This legislation would have been the first of its kind in the United States. The veto signifies a significant setback in the effort to impose regulatory measures on the rapidly evolving AI sector, which currently operates with minimal oversight.

Governor Newsom, addressing the concerns of numerous stakeholders, stated that while the intention behind the bill, S.B. 1047, was commendable, it could negatively impact the burgeoning AI industry in California. Speaking at Dreamforce, an annual conference hosted by software leader Salesforce, Newsom emphasized the importance of regulation but warned that this particular proposal might stifle innovation by imposing overly stringent requirements on AI systems, regardless of their application or risk level.

S.B. 1047 sought to mandate companies to rigorously test their AI models and make public their safety protocols to prevent misuse, such as tampering with essential infrastructure or aiding in the creation of chemical weapons. The bill also included protections for whistleblowers within the industry. Despite these goals, it faced strong opposition from both tech giants and startups, alongside notable Democratic lawmakers.

Democratic state Senator Scott Wiener, the author of the bill, expressed his disappointment following the veto, labeling it a setback for those advocating for increased oversight of powerful corporations involved in AI development. Supporters of the bill, including tech magnate Elon Musk, argued that it had the potential to introduce much-needed transparency and accountability around large-scale AI models, which developers and experts still struggle to fully comprehend.

In response to the concerns raised, Newsom announced plans for the state to collaborate with industry experts to develop alternative safety measures for powerful AI models. He highlighted that such an approach would ensure the state remains a leader in AI regulation while also safeguarding the industry’s growth.

The vetoed bill was one among several legislative efforts aimed at regulating AI, tackling deepfakes, and ensuring worker protection passed by the state legislature this year. Lawmakers have stressed the importance of taking immediate action, reflecting on missed opportunities to regulate social media in the past.

Critics of the bill claimed it would hinder technological advancement and deter investment in the state. Despite the setback, lawmakers remain focused on exploring new rules to prevent AI discrimination in employment practices. Governor Newsom has reiterated his commitment to maintaining California’s leadership in the AI sector, with plans to leverage generative AI tools for various state initiatives, including alleviating highway congestion and improving homelessness programs.

Earlier this month, Newsom enacted stringent laws to combat election deepfakes and safeguard Hollywood workers from unauthorized AI use, reinforcing the state’s proactive stance on specific aspects of AI regulation.