California Governor Vetoes AI Safety Bill Amid Tech Industry Concerns

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a controversial AI safety bill, stating concerns about its impact on innovation and its stringent requirements. Newsom emphasized the need to develop empirical, science-based guardrails. The bill had faced opposition from major tech companies, while supporters cited public safety concerns.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday vetoed a contentious artificial intelligence safety bill following objections from the tech industry. The governor argued the bill could drive AI companies from the state and stifle innovation. According to Newsom, the legislation did not account for whether an AI system is used in high-risk environments or involves critical decision-making and sensitive data.

Newsom has sought assistance from leading generative AI experts to create science-based guardrails. He has also ordered state agencies to assess the risks from potential catastrophic AI events. Generative AI, which can generate text, images, and videos, has both excited and alarmed the public due to potential job impacts, election interference, and other risks.

Democratic State Senator Scott Wiener, the bill's author, argued that legislation is needed to protect the public before AI advances become unmanageable. Major tech companies, including Google, OpenAI, and Meta, opposed the bill, while supporters like Elon Musk highlighted the lack of binding restrictions. Newsom plans to work on AI legislation with the legislature in the next session and continues to support federal AI regulatory proposals.

(With inputs from agencies.)