Source: Morgan Lewis

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1047, which aimed to impose new safety regulations on large-scale AI models, while signing Assembly Bill 2013 into law, which mandates transparency in generative AI technologies. SB 1047 would have required AI developers to adopt safety protocols, including full shutdown mechanisms and compliance with certain audit requirements, to prevent critical harms. However, Governor Newsom expressed concerns that the bill focused too much on large-scale models, potentially overlooking the risks posed by smaller AI systems.

On the other hand, AB 2013 requires developers of generative AI technologies to publicly disclose the datasets used in training their models. This transparency law is seen as a step forward in ensuring accountability in AI development, particularly in sectors where AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, is becoming more prevalent. The law mandates that all generative AI models released or substantially modified after January 1, 2022, must comply with these disclosure rules by 2026.

California’s recent legislative actions reflect a focus on AI transparency while taking a more cautious approach to safety regulations. This sets the stage for future debates on whether stricter safety measures are needed, and how to balance innovation with public safety concerns.