California dreamin’ in such a big tech way

Artificial intelligence is quickly changing how we interact with technology, and big tech companies are getting involved in shaping new rules to keep up. Companies like OpenAI, Adobe, and Microsoft are supporting a new California bill that would make it clear when content is created by AI. These companies believe it’s important for people to know when they see or hear something made by a computer, not a human. At the same time, Elon Musk is supporting another California bill that aims to keep AI safe by requiring safeguards on large AI models. So, what do these companies and individuals really want, and why? Let’s explore the latest moves in AI regulation and what they mean for the future.

According to Techcrunch, major tech companies like OpenAI, Adobe, and Microsoft are now backing a California bill that will require labels on AI-generated content. This bill, known as AB 3211, is scheduled for a final vote in August.

AB 3211 aims to make it clear when photos, videos, and audio clips are created by AI. It will require these AI-generated items to have watermarks in their metadata. While many AI companies already use watermarks, they are often hidden in the metadata, which most people don’t check. The new bill also requires big online platforms, such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), to show these labels in a way that is easy for everyone to see and understand.

OpenAI, Adobe, and Microsoft are part of a group called the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity. This group helped develop C2PA metadata, a widely used standard for labeling AI content. Even though a trade group representing these companies opposed AB 3211 in April, calling it “unworkable” and “overly burdensome,” recent changes to the bill seem to have won their support.

In a different but related issue, Elon Musk has shown support for another California bill, SB 1047. This bill would require creators of very large AI models to set up safeguards to prevent their models from causing serious harm. Musk, who has a large AI company called xAI, believes the bill is necessary and has argued that it’s important for AI to be regulated just like other potentially risky technologies.

This is a tough call and will make some people upset, but, all things considered, I think California should probably pass the SB 1047 AI safety bill.

For over 20 years, I have been an advocate for AI regulation, just as we regulate any product/technology that is a potential risk…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2024

Despite Musk’s support, OpenAI has publicly opposed SB 1047 and is backing a different bill instead. These moves highlight the ongoing debate over how best to regulate AI technology and ensure its safe and ethical use. As California moves forward with these new rules, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how they will impact the future of AI.

Featured image credit: Eray Eliaçık/Bing