In California, SB 1047, a bill to regulate artificial intelligence, is sparking heated debate. The bill would require developers of large AI models to take safety measures and assess potential risks. Models with training costs of more than $100 million would be affected. Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30 to decide whether to sign the bill.
Opinions in the tech industry are sharply divided. Supporters such as AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton see the law as an important step in protecting against the potential dangers of AI. Critics, such as Meta’s Yann LeCun, warn of barriers to innovation and exaggerated risk assessments. Even within large tech companies, there are differing views, as an open letter from over 100 employees shows.
California’s decision could have far-reaching implications. As the center of the AI industry, the state could set the standard for future regulations in the U.S. and around the world. Observers see the debate as a conflict between the pursuit of technological progress and the desire for safety and control. The tech world is now eagerly awaiting Governor Newsom’s decision in the coming weeks.
Sources: VentureBeat, Financial Times