Elon Musk Backs California’s Controversial AI Safety Bill
In a surprising move, tech mogul Elon Musk has thrown his support behind California’s contentious AI safety bill, SB 1047. The bill, which aims to establish stringent safety standards for powerful AI systems, is set for a final vote in the California Assembly at the end of the month.
Musk’s endorsement aligns with his long-standing advocacy for AI regulation, despite acknowledging that supporting the bill is a “bitter pill” to swallow. The proposed legislation includes requirements for strict safety protocols and a kill switch for AI systems, measures that Musk has consistently championed.
Interestingly, Musk’s AI startup, xAI, based in Palo Alto, would be directly affected by the bill if passed. This support marks a rare moment of agreement between Musk and California State Sen. Scott Wiener, with whom he has previously clashed on other legislative matters.
Musk’s stance contrasts sharply with other tech giants like OpenAI and Meta, who have voiced opposition to the bill. However, Amazon-backed Anthropic has cautiously approved the legislation while expressing some concerns.
The tech entrepreneur’s support for SB 1047 comes despite his continued heavy investment in AI ventures. xAI recently raised $6 billion in Series B funding in May, and Musk has been positioning Tesla as an AI or robotics company rather than just an auto manufacturer.
As the vote approaches, the tech industry watches closely to see how this legislation might shape the future of AI development in California. Representatives for Musk did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
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