California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a landmark AI safety bill that aimed to regulate the development of advanced AI models. The bill faced significant opposition from major tech companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta, who argued it would hinder innovation.
The legislation sought to impose the first AI regulations in the U.S., requiring safety testing for powerful AI systems and mandating a “kill switch” to shut down any AI posing a threat. It also proposed mandatory oversight for the development of high-risk AI models, known as “Frontier Models.”
Newsom explained that the bill applied overly broad standards, even to basic AI systems, and could push developers out of California. While blocking the bill, Newsom announced plans to work with experts to develop alternative safeguards for AI.
Senator Scott Wiener, who introduced the bill, expressed disappointment, stating the veto allows companies to continue advancing powerful AI technology without government oversight. He criticized the lack of U.S. regulatory action as Congress remains stalled on AI legislation.
