California Governor blocks landmark AI safety bill
California Governor Gavin Newsom has blocked a significant AI safety bill, which aimed to introduce some of the first AI regulations in the US.
The bill faced strong opposition from major tech companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta, who warned it could hamper AI development.
The legislation proposed safety testing for advanced AI models, requiring developers to include a “kill switch” to shut down systems if they became a threat. It also sought mandatory oversight for the most powerful AI systems, known as “Frontier Models.”
Governor Newsom argued that the bill’s regulations were too broad, applying stringent standards to even basic AI functions. He expressed concern that such measures could stifle innovation and push AI developers out of California.
Despite the veto, Newsom announced plans to explore alternative ways to protect the public from AI risks and is working with experts to develop safeguards.
The bill’s author, Senator Scott Wiener, criticized the decision, saying it allows companies to continue developing powerful AI technology without proper oversight, especially since efforts in Congress to regulate AI have stalled. Newsom has recently signed other bills targeting misinformation and deep fakes, but this veto leaves AI companies in California largely unregulated.
