Lawmaker Behind Vetoed California AI Bill Criticizes Silicon Valley

California state senator Scott Wiener is not going down without a fight. Despite Governor Gavin Newsom vetoing SB 1047, a bill aimed at regulating the development of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, Wiener remains committed to promoting AI safety.

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The Debate Around SB 1047

SB 1047 was introduced in February 2023 and sparked intense debate within Silicon Valley. Some argued that the bill would have a chilling effect on California’s booming AI industry, while others believed it would protect against catastrophic harms from advanced AI systems.

Misinformation Spreads Like Wildfire

Wiener told TechCrunch that some Silicon Valley institutions spread an unprecedented level of "misinformation" about SB 1047 in the months leading up to the veto. He specifically criticized Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz executives for helping spread a narrative that SB 1047 would send startup founders to jail.

Theoretical Threats

While it is true that a developer who lied on AI safety reports under SB 1047 could have gone to jail, Wiener emphasized that this would only happen if a developer had intentionally provided false information. In reality, the bill aimed to promote transparency and accountability in AI development, rather than impose harsh penalties.

The Role of Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan and Andreessen Horowitz partner Alex Danilo were among those who helped spread misinformation about SB 1047. In an interview with TechCrunch, Wiener stated that their efforts to discredit the bill were "a classic example of the old adage: ‘when you’re in a hole, stop digging.’"

Newsom’s Unexpected Criticism

When Governor Newsom vetoed SB 1047, many expected him to criticize the bill for being overly burdensome. However, in his veto message, Newsom suggested that the bill should have had a more flexible framework that would cover more AI models.

The Future of AI Regulation in California

While SB 1047 may not have become law this time around, Wiener remains committed to promoting AI safety. He is not ruling out the possibility that he’ll return next year with a revamped version of the bill.

A New Task Force on AI Safety

In a surprise move, Governor Newsom announced a new task force on AI safety, led by renowned researcher and expert in AI ethics, Dr. Fei-Fei Li. This development is seen as a positive step towards promoting responsible AI development in California.

The Impact of SB 1047

Despite its failure to become law, Wiener believes that SB 1047 has had a lasting impact on the conversation around AI safety in California. The bill has sparked a much-needed discussion about the need for regulation and accountability in AI development.

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