Elon Musk Endorses California AI Regulation Bill: ‘Tough Call’
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has endorsed a California bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI). The bill, known as SB 1047, would require developers of AI models that spend more than $100 million to conduct safety testing and implement safeguards against cyberattacks. Additionally, the bill would allow the state attorney general to take civil action against developers of AI models that cause “critical harm,” defined as causing mass casualties or at least $500 million in damages.
Musk, who also owns the social media platform X, acknowledged that endorsing the bill was a difficult decision, but he believes it is necessary. “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,” Musk wrote in a post on X.
The bill also includes provisions for developers to enact a protocol that can fully shut down an AI model at any time and provides whistleblower protections. This regulation is part of a broader effort by California state lawmakers to address the growing concerns surrounding AI. Despite the efforts, many of the 65 bills introduced this legislative season regarding AI have already been deemed dead.
Musk has been an advocate for AI regulation for over 20 years, arguing that AI should be regulated just like any other product or technology that poses a risk to the public. His endorsement of SB 1047 sets him apart from some of his competitors in the AI industry, as tech companies like OpenAI and Meta have voiced opposition to the bill. However, Amazon-backed Anthropic has given cautious approval, noting some concerns about the bill’s provisions.
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, experts are warning about the potential spread of misinformation that AI and other tools can produce. Musk’s support for the bill reflects his long-standing warnings about the risks and dangers posed by AI to society, even as he continues to push the boundaries of AI development through his own ventures.
