OpenAI Opposes California’s AI Bill with ‘Kill Switch’ Requirement

OpenAI has joined forces with other Silicon Valley companies to push back against California's AI bill, which includes a controversial 'kill switch' provision that could have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry.

What is the California AI Bill?

The bill, known as SB 1047 and introduced by State Sen. Scott Wiener, aims to establish safety standards for AI systems with a development cost exceeding $100 million. The proposed regulations include the implementation of safety protocols to prevent AI models from causing significant harm, such as being used in cyberattacks or contributing to the creation of weapons of mass destruction.

OpenAI's Opposition and Concerns

Jason Kwon, the Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, expressed concerns that the bill could hinder innovation and potentially drive companies away from California. In a letter to Sen. Wiener, Kwon suggested that regulating AI's impact on national security should be handled at the federal level rather than through state-specific legislation.

Silicon Valley Giants Join the Fight

Other tech giants in Silicon Valley, including Meta and Anthropic, have also raised objections to the bill. Meta warned that the regulations could discourage open-source development and expose developers to legal risks. Similarly, Anthropic advocated for a more balanced approach to regulation that would support innovation without stifling progress.

Previous Lobbying Efforts and Legislative Changes

OpenAI has previously lobbied against similar AI legislation in the European Union, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens on general-purpose AI systems like GPT-3. In response to industry pushback, the EU revised its AI Act to focus on 'foundation models' with more specific requirements, rather than categorizing general-purpose AI as high-risk.

Next Steps for the California AI Bill

Despite opposition from industry players, Sen. Wiener maintains that the bill is a reasonable measure that aligns with commitments made by large AI labs. The bill has already passed a vote in the state Senate and is now awaiting a final decision in the California Assembly at the end of the month.

OpenAI and Sen. Wiener have not provided comments on the matter outside of regular business hours. The debate surrounding the California AI bill highlights the ongoing tension between innovation and regulation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

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By: lwee@insider.com (Lian Kit Wee)
Title: OpenAI Opposes California’s AI Bill with ‘Kill Switch’ Requirement
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/openai-tech-giants-oppose-california-ai-bill-kill-switch-2024-8
Published Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:37:51 +0000