Elon Musk supports California AI safety bill

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.

For over 20 years, I have been an advocate for AI regulation, just as we regulate any product/technology that is a potential risk…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2024

Elon Musk has voiced his support for California’s SB 1047, a bill requiring developers of large AI models to create and document safeguards against those models causing serious harm. Musk, who owns the AI company xAI, stated on Monday, “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.

State Senator Scott Wiener hosting a virtual news conference ahead of vote on AI regulation bill SB 1047.

Weeks after CA House Reps sent letter to Newsom urging him to veto it, Wiener says,

"Congress has proven it is not capable of passing strong technology policy.." 🧵

— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) August 26, 2024

Musk has advocated for AI regulation for over twenty years, viewing it as necessary for any technology that poses potential risks. His stance aligns with his long-standing advocacy for the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence. Other industry giants like Adobe, Microsoft, and OpenAI have also expressed their support for SB 1047.

Had to give @CalMatters Digital Democracy shoutout this morning when @kcraFitz asked if reporters are using AI to track CA bills.

Because of easy access to videos/time codes on bill debates, we could quickly do story about bill extending last call to 4am in LA Clippers VIP club pic.twitter.com/WbCZgYs2iO

— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) August 26, 2024

This underscores a growing consensus among tech leaders on regulating AI technologies to ensure their safe and responsible development. However, not everyone in the tech community agrees with the bill.

Musk backs AI regulation bill

Some critics argue that the strict regulations could stifle innovation and create bureaucratic hurdles for AI development in California. Major players like Google and Meta have voiced concerns about the potential negative impact on the state’s competitiveness in the field. The bill, co-authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, has already passed the state Senate and is headed to the State Assembly for a vote by the end of the week. If approved, it will then go to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing. Newsom has not yet indicated whether he will support the bill. As the debate surrounding AI regulation continues, the outcome of SB 1047 will be closely watched by the tech industry and those concerned about the future of artificial intelligence development in California and beyond.