Musk endorses California AI-safety bill

Tech billionaire Elon Musk voiced his support for California’s SB 1047 this week, saying the government must regulate artificial intelligence.

“All things considered, I think California should probably pass the SB 1047 AI safety bill,” Mr. Musk wrote Monday on X. “For over 20 years, I have advocated for AI regulation, just as we regulate any product/technology that is a potential risk to the public.”

The bill, which would require tech companies to perform safety tests on its most powerful AI models, has been debated in the California Legislature. Supporters say the regulation is needed to ensure the powerful AI models built in the state are safe, while opponents say such a law would stifle innovation.

The bill passed through the state’s Appropriations Committee last week, setting it up for a vote before the whole Assembly.

While Mr. Musk has been deeply involved in AI development for the past decade, he has also been one of its most vocal critics. Last year he joined more than 1,000 tech leaders in signing a letter urging a pause on AI development. Additionally, he said that there is a 20% chance that AI could destroy humanity.

Still, the Tesla CEO has said tech innovators should develop AI anyway and even started his own AI company, xAI.