California’s AI Safety Bill Gains Unexpected Support from Elon Musk

TLDR:

• California’s SB 1047 bill aims to regulate powerful AI systems for safety
• Elon Musk has voiced support for the controversial legislation
• The bill requires safety protocols and an emergency stop for AI models
• Many tech leaders and companies oppose it as potentially stifling innovation
• The legislation must pass by end of week to reach the governor’s desk

Elon Musk, the tech billionaire known for his ventures like Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has publicly backed a controversial artificial intelligence regulation bill in California.

Senate Bill 1047, also known as the “Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act,” aims to establish safety standards for powerful AI systems.

The bill, introduced by Democratic state Senator Scott Wiener in February, would require developers of large-scale AI models to implement strict safety protocols.

These include measures to prevent catastrophic events like mass casualties or major cyberattacks, as well as the implementation of an “emergency stop” button for AI models.

Musk expressed his support for the bill on X, stating, “This is a tough call and will make some people upset, but, all things considered, I think California should probably pass the SB 1047 AI safety bill.”

He added that he has been advocating for AI regulation for over 20 years, comparing it to the regulation of any product or technology that poses potential risks to the public.

This stance puts Musk at odds with many Silicon Valley tech giants and investors. Companies like OpenAI and Meta, along with venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, have voiced strong opposition to the bill.

They argue that the proposed regulations are vague and burdensome, potentially stifling innovation and driving talent out of California.

Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s chief strategy officer, warned that the bill could hinder innovation in the AI field. Similarly, several Democratic members of Congress, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Ro Khanna, have spoken out against the legislation.

The bill’s supporters, including its author Senator Wiener, argue that it is necessary to prevent potential catastrophic harm to humanity. Wiener has engaged in heated debates with critics, including Musk himself on separate issues, highlighting the complex dynamics surrounding AI regulation.

SB 1047 would require annual third-party audits of AI safety practices and create a new Frontier Model Division (FMD) to oversee compliance. These measures aim to ensure that powerful AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly.

Musk’s support comes at a critical time for the bill, which must pass the California Legislature by the end of the week to reach Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The tech entrepreneur acknowledged that his position might upset some people but maintained that it aligns with his long-standing views on AI safety.