Leftist Mega Star Goes After Newsom Over AI Safety Bill

Gavin Newsom is facing the heat from people on his own side of politics, with left-wing megastar Mark Ruffalo publicly slamming the governor of California over his veto of the AI safety bill.

At a glance:

  • Actor Mark Ruffalo criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing an AI safety bill, calling it a “mistake.”
  • Ruffalo argues that AI regulation, like Senate Bill 1047 (SB 1047), would promote innovation in safety, contrary to claims that it would stifle progress.
  • Newsom’s decision to veto the bill, despite widespread support from across the political and tech spectrum, prompted Ruffalo to urge activists to continue fighting for AI safety legislation.

Mark Ruffalo, best known for his role as Hulk in The Avengers, is using his platform to challenge California Governor Gavin Newsom over the veto of Senate Bill 1047 (SB 1047), which would have implemented safety testing and cybersecurity measures for advanced AI models. Ruffalo, an outspoken advocate for tech safety, expressed disappointment in Newsom’s decision, calling it a “mistake” in an op-ed published by TIME.

Ruffalo argued that AI, while capable of tremendous advancements, also poses serious risks, particularly to industries like entertainment, where AI is seen as a threat to jobs.

It’s not just replacing writers, but actors, voice actors, and other kinds of talent.

He highlighted how SB 1047 would have held tech companies accountable by mandating safety testing, protecting whistleblowers, and enforcing cybersecurity to prevent the technology from falling into the wrong hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0RGBg2lNRQ

Ruffalo’s op-ed emphasized the overwhelming support for the bill, noting that it passed with bipartisan backing in the California State Senate and Assembly. Even prominent tech figures, such as Elon Musk, supported the bill, making Newsom’s veto all the more surprising to the actor. Ruffalo encouraged his readers to “follow the money” to understand why the bill faced opposition, accusing lobbyists for big tech companies of prioritizing profit over public safety.

“New safety regulations would stimulate innovation in safety,” Ruffalo argued, countering the industry’s claim that the bill would hinder innovation. He drew parallels to past industrial regulations, like those concerning “forever chemicals” (PFAs), which were initially celebrated but later discovered to have devastating environmental and health effects.

Ruffalo also criticized Newsom’s justification for the veto, which claimed the legislation wasn’t based on “science and fact.” The actor called this explanation “doublespeak,” arguing that Newsom’s reluctance to regulate AI mirrors the same corporate-friendly approach that has allowed harmful practices to flourish in the past.

In closing, Ruffalo urged activists to stay informed and push for future legislation that prioritizes public safety over corporate interests. “Next time legislation like this comes up for a vote, we will fight in greater numbers,” he wrote, adding that despite the setback, the movement for AI regulation is “just getting started.”

Ruffalo’s advocacy adds a new dimension to the public debate surrounding AI regulation, as California grapples with the implications of emerging technologies and their societal impact.