California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047), citing concerns that it would stifle innovation rather than protect the public.
The bill, which aimed to enforce strict safety testing on AI models, faced strong opposition from Silicon Valley and major tech companies like OpenAI and Google.
In a statement on September 29, Newsom argued that the bill focused too heavily on regulating established AI firms without addressing the actual dangers posed by new technology.
He criticized its stringent standards, claiming they could apply even to basic functions and hinder progress. Newsom emphasized the need for a more effective approach to safeguard the public from genuine risks.
SB 1047, sponsored by Senator Scott Wiener, would have required AI developers to implement safety features like a “kill switch” and publish risk mitigation plans. It also included provisions allowing the state attorney general to sue companies for ongoing threats from their AI models.
Despite vetoing the bill, Newsom acknowledged the importance of adopting proper safety measures for AI. He has called upon top AI safety experts to help develop practical regulations. Recently, his administration has enacted over 18 bills related to AI, showing a commitment to regulating the technology without hindering its growth.
While many in tech opposed the bill, some figures, including Elon Musk, supported it, highlighting the ongoing debate over how best to regulate artificial intelligence.
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