California State Senator Scott Wiener is once again taking a stand on AI safety. This isn’t his first attempt to hold Big Tech accountable for AI risks. In 2024, Wiener introduced the controversial AI safety bill, SB 1047, which sought to make tech companies liable for harms caused by their AI systems. The bill sparked a fierce campaign from Silicon Valley, with critics warning it could stifle the growth of AI in the U.S. Despite strong opposition, Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed the bill, and Silicon Valley celebrated with an “SB 1047 Veto Party.”
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However, Wiener hasn’t backed down. He has now introduced a new AI safety bill, SB 53, which is currently on Governor Newsom’s desk, awaiting his signature. This time around, the bill has gained more support, with Silicon Valley showing less resistance. Anthropic, a major AI player, publicly endorsed SB 53 earlier this month. Meta has also expressed support, acknowledging the bill as a step toward balanced AI regulation, though they suggest areas for improvement.
Former White House AI policy adviser Dean Ball considers SB 53 a “victory for reasonable voices,” and believes it has a strong chance of passing. If signed into law, SB 53 would introduce some of the nation's first safety reporting requirements for AI giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, and Google. The bill would ensure that these companies disclose the potential risks associated with their AI technologies, a move that many hope will lead to greater transparency in AI development.
Key Support for SB 53
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Anthropic has fully backed the new bill, highlighting its potential to create a balanced regulatory framework.
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Meta has expressed cautious support, viewing the bill as a step in the right direction, although they suggest room for improvement.
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Dean Ball, former White House adviser, calls the bill a significant step forward, indicating a high likelihood of success.
What SB 53 Means for the Future of AI Regulation
SB 53’s passage would mark a major milestone in AI regulation, holding Big Tech accountable for the dangers AI poses. With strong industry backing and bipartisan support, the bill could set a precedent for future AI legislation across the country.
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