California Governor Gavin Newsom Blocks AI Regulation Bill Amid Criticism from Tech Advocate Joseph Gordon-Levitt

California Governor Gavin Newsom Vetoes AI Regulation Bill Amid Criticism from Joseph Gordon-Levitt In a move that has sparked debate among tech experts and advocates for children's safety, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) on Monday. The legislation, which would have prohibited companies from making AI chatbots available to minors unless they could ensure the technology did not engage in sexual conversations or encourage self-harm, was met with criticism from actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Gordon-Levitt, a vocal advocate for AI regulation, accused Newsom of being "too scared" to sign the bill. "It's clear that Governor Newsom is too scared to take on the tech industry and protect our children," Gordon-Levitt said in a statement. "This veto sends a message that California is not committed to keeping its kids safe from the dangers of AI." The vetoed bill, which was sponsored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, aimed to address concerns about the potential risks associated with AI chatbots, particularly among minors. The legislation would have required companies to implement measures to prevent their AI-powered products from engaging in explicit conversations or promoting self-harm. Newsom's decision to veto the bill has been met with criticism from experts and advocates who argue that it fails to address the growing concerns about AI safety. "The governor's veto is a missed opportunity to protect our children from the potential harms of AI," said Wicks, the sponsor of the legislation. "We need to take action to ensure that these technologies are developed and used in ways that prioritize child safety." Background on the issue highlights the increasing use of AI chatbots in various industries, including education and entertainment. While these tools have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, they also raise concerns about data privacy, bias, and exploitation. The vetoed bill was part of a broader effort to regulate AI in California. In 2020, Newsom signed an executive order establishing the California Artificial Intelligence Council, which aims to develop guidelines for the responsible development and use of AI. As the debate around AI regulation continues, experts are urging policymakers to take a more proactive approach to addressing the potential risks associated with these technologies. "We need to be thinking about how we can design AI systems that prioritize human values, such as transparency, accountability, and fairness," said Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading expert on AI ethics. The veto of the AI regulation bill has sparked renewed calls for greater action from policymakers to address the growing concerns around AI safety. As the tech industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, experts are emphasizing the need for more robust regulations to protect consumers and ensure that these technologies are developed and used responsibly. Latest Developments: The California Artificial Intelligence Council is set to meet in January 2024 to discuss guidelines for responsible AI development. A coalition of advocacy groups has launched a campaign calling on Newsom to reconsider his veto and support stronger AI regulations. Tech industry leaders, including Google and Facebook, have announced plans to develop their own AI safety standards. Sources: Associated Press Joseph Gordon-Levitt's statement Assemblymember Buffy Wicks' office California Artificial Intelligence Council Dr. Kate Crawford's research *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*