California Senator Scott Wiener has publicly criticized OpenAI for opposing the AI safety bill, SB 1047. Wiener introduced the bill in February 2024 to enforce strict safety measures on AI models before making them available to the public.
Wiener responded to OpenAI’s stance by highlighting that the company did not challenge any specific provisions of the bill but suggested that Congress handle the matter.
OpenAI’s argument for Congressional oversight
OpenAI has argued that Congress should be responsible for AI safety rather than address it through state legislation like SB 1047. In a recent press release, Wiener acknowledged OpenAI’s recognition of the bill’s core provisions but expressed disappointment with the company’s preference for federal oversight. Wiener pointed out that Congress has yet to take significant action, leaving states like California to address the matter independently.
Wiener also emphasized that, based on OpenAI’s logic, California would have failed to enact data privacy laws, which have provided essential protections to residents. He expressed skepticism about Congress’s ability to address AI safety shortly, citing past inaction on similar issues.
National security concerns dismissed by Senator Wiener
Wiener dismissed OpenAI’s claims that the AI safety bill poses national security risks. He argued that the bill’s requirements for rigorous product testing would enhance national security by ensuring that AI models are safe before deployment. According to Wiener, the bill would hold AI firms accountable for the safety of their products, thereby strengthening the overall security framework.
OpenAI has also warned that the passage of SB 1047 could lead the company to relocate its operations outside of California. Wiener refuted this argument, noting that the bill applies to all firms conducting business in California, regardless of their headquarters location. Therefore, moving out of the state would allow companies to comply with the law.
Senator Wiener stands firm on AI safety bill
In his closing remarks, Senator Wiener reaffirmed the reasonableness of the AI safety bill. He stressed that the legislation merely asks AI companies to fulfill the commitments they have already made concerning safety. Wiener believes that SB 1047 is a necessary step toward ensuring that AI technologies are safe for public use, particularly in the absence of federal action.
By maintaining a firm stance, Wiener aims to ensure that AI firms like OpenAI are held accountable for the safety of their products, ultimately protecting consumers and enhancing national security. As the debate over AI safety continues, the outcome of this bill could set a significant precedent for how AI is regulated at both the state and federal levels.