California Takes the Lead on AI Regulation

A frontrunner in regulating artificial intelligence with several bills into law this Sept alone.

These laws tackle a wide range of AI-related issues, from addressing the potential risks of advanced AI models to protecting children online and preventing the misuse of AI-generated content in elections.

Key Highlights of California's New AI Laws:

• In total, 38 bills with at least 18 AI bills signed into law in September 2024.

• Focus areas include AI risk, training data, privacy, education, healthcare, election integrity, and online safety

• Significant emphasis on mitigating harms associated with generative AI

• Establishes California as a leader in AI governance and ethical development

But first, SB 1047: A Vetoed Attempt at Broader AI Regulation:

Governor Newsom vetoed SB 1047 Source, a bill that aimed to prevent potential AI disasters by requiring safety audits of large AI systems. In his veto message, Newsom argued that the bill was too narrow and could create a false sense of security. He expressed a preference for a more adaptable regulatory approach.

Understanding the Scope of the New Laws:

Let's delve into some of the most significant bills:

1. Children's Online Safety and AI-Generated Content:

• AB 1831 Source expands California's child pornography laws to cover AI-generated content that depicts minors in sexually suggestive or explicit ways.

• SB 926 Source criminalizes blackmail using AI-generated nude images.

• SB 981 Source requires social media platforms to create channels for users to report AI-generated deepfakes that resemble them and temporarily block the content pending investigation.

• Effective Date: 2025

  a lawsuit aimed at shutting down [16] websites that employ artificial intelligence to let users create nude images of people. [Especially targeting to children and young women.]