Elon Musk Supports Broad-Based AI Safety Regulation
Date: 2024-08-27 Author: Henry Casey Categories: IN WORLD
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has backed legislation that some say could hinder artificial intelligence innovation in the United States.
In a post on his social media platform X on August 27, Musk said it was a “tough choice” that would “make some people upset,” but all things considered, he said:
“I think California should pass SB 1047 on AI safety.”
Musk added that he has been advocating for AI regulation for over 20 years, “the same way we regulate any product/technology that poses a potential risk to society.” In February, Democratic lawmakers proposed the California Safe and Trusted Innovation for Edge AI Act, also known as SB 1047.
It would require AI developers to implement safety protocols to prevent events like mass casualties or major cyberattacks, and would mandate an “emergency stop” button for AI models.
Many in Silicon Valley have spoken out against the new bill.
Guillaume Verdon, a leader of the e/acc movement, founder of the hidden AI startup Extropic, and former Google engineer, said AI may be powerful, “but an authoritarian government with shadow control over powerful AI is scarier.”
On August 21, Jason Kwon, chief strategist at OpenAI, warned that the bill could stifle innovation and drive out California’s top talent.
The bill also faces opposition from Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee member Zoe Lofgren, Silicon Valley's Ro Khanna, and venture and big tech giants Andreessen Horowitz and Meta.
Meanwhile, AI safety advocates are defending themselves against criticism.
California State Senator Scott Wiener, one of the bill's sponsors, publicly criticized OpenAI's objections to the bill, arguing that it is necessary for public safety and national security.
Meanwhile, Center for AI Safety Director Dan Hendricks expressed support for Musk, exclaiming, "You're the best, Elon!" before outlining what the controversial Senate bill, SB 1047, includes.
Additional requirements of the bill include annual third-party AI safety audits and the creation of a new Frontier Model Division (FMD) to oversee compliance.
