California Lawmakers Propose AI Content Regulations

California legislators are currently addressing the complexities of AI regulation through various proposed bills aimed at balancing the potential benefits and challenges of this emerging technology.

Two noteworthy bills have recently attracted significant attention from stakeholders in the industry. AB 3211 seeks to require watermarks on content generated by artificial intelligence.

This legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, aims to help users distinguish between AI-generated and human-created material, particularly amid rising concerns about misinformation during elections.

This bill has received backing from several industry leaders, including OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT. Jason Kwon, OpenAI's chief strategy officer, has stated that such labeling could enhance user understanding of content origins, thereby reducing confusion between AI-generated and human-made content.

On the other hand, SB 1047, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener and co-authored by several legislators, has met with more resistance within the tech community.

This bill mandates that AI developers who invest over $100 million in model development conduct safety tests, undergo external audits, and implement safety measures like kill switches.

OpenAI has expressed concerns regarding SB 1047, arguing that it could impede innovation and drive talent out of California. Despite this, the bill has garnered support from prominent advocates, including Elon Musk, who has long championed the need for AI regulation.