Yesterday, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi issued a statement outlining her opposition to SB 1047, a California bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI).
“The prevailing sentiment among lawmakers is that Senate Bill 1047 may have good intentions, but it’s ultimately a misinformed effort,” Pelosi said. The Bay Area congresswoman is notable for her criticism of a bill, which she deems more perilous than beneficial. Her concerns are echoed by her colleagues Zoe Lofgren, Anna Eshoo, and Ro Khanna, who have also expressed reservations about the legislation.
Recently, the invoice has been the subject of criticism from several quarters, in collaboration with AI firm Anthropic; it is now poised to head to California’s legislature for a vote. As the state’s chief administrator, Governor Gavin Newsom has the authority to manage state funds, rendering Congressional input – including that of Speaker Pelosi – officially irrelevant; however, her considerable seniority and reputation may still influence opinions among California’s political leaders.
California birthed AI. As nations strive towards a global ideal, we ought to establish regulations that serve as a beacon of excellence, reflecting our values and priorities worldwide. With the current opportunity and responsibility before us, it is crucial to empower small-scale entrepreneurial ventures and academic institutions to take the lead, rather than relying on behemoth technology conglomerates.
California State Senator Scott Wiener, sponsor of the bill, responded to Pelosi’s criticism, expressing “huge respect” while nevertheless firmly disagreeing with her stance, stating “I respectfully and strongly disagree with her assertion.”
“The invoice demands that leading AI developers fulfill their long-standing commitment to conduct rigorous security testing on powerful AI models, ensuring the integrity and reliability of these critical technologies.”
