Over 120 current and former employees from major AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google’s DeepMind, and Meta, have publicly endorsed California’s AI regulation bill, SB 1047. The bill, which has passed the State Assembly and Senate, now awaits approval or veto from Gov. Gavin Newsom by September 30.
The bill proposes several measures, notably offering whistleblower protections for employees who raise concerns about potential risks posed by the AI models their companies are developing. In a statement backing the legislation, these employees highlighted the dangers that powerful AI models could soon introduce, such as facilitating access to biological weapons or enabling cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. They argue that it’s both feasible and necessary for AI companies to implement safeguards to mitigate such risks.
While the bill has garnered support from academics like Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig, who praised it as a step in the right direction, not everyone is on board. OpenAI has voiced opposition, claiming that the legislation could stifle innovation. Political and industry figures, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and various tech advocacy groups, have also criticized the bill, fearing it may hinder progress in the AI sector.
The debate surrounding SB 1047 underscores the growing concern over AI’s potential dangers and the balance between innovation and regulation.