Elon Musk has recently expressed his support for California’s controversial AI safety bill, SB 1047, which is poised for a final vote in the California Assembly at the end of the month. This bill, introduced by State Sen. Scott Wiener, is aimed to set clear safety standards for the development of powerful AI systems. SB 1047 would require AI companies to implement strict safety protocols and include a “kill switch” in their models to mitigate potential risks.
Musk, known for his advocacy of AI regulation, has described his support for the bill as a “bitter pill” but consistent with his long-standing position on regulating technologies that pose significant risks. He argues that this approach aligns with his broader views on managing potentially dangerous innovations. Musk’s own AI startup, xAI, which is based in Palo Alto, would be directly impacted by the regulations outlined in the bill.
While Musk’s stance represents a notable endorsement of increased regulation, the bill has faced opposition from major tech companies. OpenAI and Meta have voiced their concerns against the bill, arguing that it may impose excessive constraints on AI development. On the other hand, Anthropic, an AI company backed by Amazon, has cautiously approved the bill; it has highlighted certain aspects as ambiguous or concerning.
Musk’s comments are particularly interesting given his previous clashes with Wiener on other legislative matters. They had disagreements over a bill related to school notifications about students’ gender identity changes. Despite these past conflicts, Musk’s support for SB 1047 seems to be further indicative of his commitment to addressing AI safety concerns, even as he continues to push forward with his ambitious AI projects through xAI and his broader vision for Tesla, which he views as more than just an auto company but also a leader in AI and robotics.
