June 24th, 2024

Y Combinator, AI startups oppose California AI safety bill

Y Combinator and 140+ machine-learning startups oppose California Senate Bill 1047 for AI safety, citing innovation hindrance and vague language concerns. Governor Newsom also fears over-regulation impacting tech economy. Debates continue.

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Y Combinator, AI startups oppose California AI safety bill

Y Combinator and over 140 machine-learning startups have expressed opposition to a proposed AI safety law in California. The bill, California Senate Bill 1047, aims to impose guardrails and transparency requirements on large AI models. The signatories argue that the bill could hinder innovation and harm California's tech economy. They criticize the bill's specific metrics and vague language, expressing concerns about potential negative impacts on the industry. Despite passing in the California Senate, the bill faces revisions in the Assembly. Governor Gavin Newsom has raised similar concerns about over-regulating AI, fearing it could drive startups away from California. While some industry leaders support regulation, others, like Y Combinator and the startups, believe the bill could stifle technological advancements. The outcome of SB 1047 remains uncertain as it progresses through the legislative process, with debates ongoing about finding a balance between regulating AI for safety and fostering innovation in the sector.

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Link Icon 7 comments
By @satvikpendem - 4 months
The article's tone is much more biased than the title suggests, starting right from the subtitle. Anyway, YC is probably right in that so-called safety checks (which is often just censorship in practice) could kill open source AI development and only allow big tech giants to control AI, which is the opposite of what many people want to happen. Say goodbye to open source AI and say hello to paying endlessly for APIs to cloud AI that can nevertheless deny your request on the slightest hint of impropriety.
By @shreezus - 4 months
AI "safety" is nothing but an elaborate ruse toward deliberate regulatory capture.
By @simonw - 4 months
The best argument I've seen against the bill so far is this one from Jeremy Howard: https://www.answer.ai/posts/2024-04-29-sb1047.html
By @lancesells - 4 months
If this technology is as powerful and world changing as these companies say then of course it should have safety checks. Some of these people want to be Oppenheimer talking about AGI, but safety guidelines will stifle them?

You think Microsoft, Apple, or Google need less regulation?

By @emgeee - 4 months
California really does seem to be getting harder to build a tech business in
By @gyudin - 4 months
Sure they are haha, they feel blood in the water and potential to make huge amounts of money.