California AI Bill Divides Silicon Valley

AFP/APP

San Francisco: A bill aimed at regulating powerful artificial intelligence models is under consideration in California’s legislature, despite concerns that it could stifle the technology it seeks to control.

Democratic state senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, the bill’s sponsor, said, “With Congress gridlocked over AI regulation… California must act to get ahead of the foreseeable risks presented by rapidly advancing AI while also fostering innovation.”

However, critics, including Democratic members of US Congress, argue that punitive measures against developers in a nascent field can throttle innovation. “The view of many of us in Congress is that SB 1047 is well-intentioned but ill-informed,” stated Democratic congresswoman Nancy Pelosi of California.

Pelosi noted that top party members have shared their concerns with Wiener.

“While we want California to lead in AI in a way that protects consumers, data, intellectual property, and more, SB 1047 is more harmful than helpful in that pursuit,” Pelosi added.