Gavin Newsom Vetoes AI Safety Bill, Which Had Backing of SAG-AFTRA

> The bill, SB 1047, was the most controversial AI bill of the legislative session, with dozens of activists and AI companies lining up on either side. The authors warned that if left unregulated, AI models could be used to develop chemical or nuclear weapons, which could lead to mass casualties. Opponents argued that heavy-handed regulation would strangle the development of AI, and force AI companies to leave the state.

> “I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology,” he wrote. “Ultimately, any framework for effectively regulating Al needs to keep pace with the technology itself.”

> Among the supporters of the bill was SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents Hollywood actors.

> “It really stems from the fact we have experienced firsthand the dangers of one aspect of AI,” said Jeffrey Bennett, general counsel of the union. “This bill seems to be the one bill that targets only the incredibly powerful expensive systems that have the capability to cause a mass critical problem. Why not regulate at that level? Why not build in some sensible, basic safety protocols at this stage of the game?”