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Mark Hamill, Jane Fonda, J.J. Abrams urge Gov. Newsom to sign AI safety bill

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Mark Hamill, Jane Fonda, J.J. Abrams urge Gov. Newsom to sign AI safety bill

As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience in the industry, I have witnessed the transformative power of technology on both the silver screen and society at large. The debate surrounding SB 1047 in California is one that strikes close to home for me, as the potential consequences of unregulated AI development are far-reaching and profound.

Over 125 influential figures from the Hollywood scene, including actors, directors, producers, and musicians, have joined together by signing a letter asking Governor Gavin Newsom to approve a bill. This bill would mandate that creators of sophisticated AI systems incorporate safety mechanisms to prevent disasters.

Under a proposed law spearheaded by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and approved by the California Legislature, developers would be obligated to disclose their safety strategies regarding AI systems to the state’s attorney general. In scenarios where the AI models they manage directly lead to harm or an imminent threat to public safety, the attorney general could potentially hold them accountable.

The developers would also need to have a way to shut down such AI models if something goes awry.

“The letter to Newsom states that threats from AI, once considered fictional, are now a real concern. While billionaire opponents of SB 1047 dismiss these worries as unrealistic, many experts in the field such as engineers, academics, and policymakers express a different view.

The letter was endorsed by several notable figures from the entertainment industry such as J.J. Abrams (co-creator of “Lost”), Shonda Rhimes (executive producer of “Bridgerton”), Judd Apatow (“The 40 Year-Old Virgin” director), Ava DuVernay (“When They See Us” creator), actors Mark Hamill, Jane Fonda, Mahershala Ali, Ramy Youssef, Alec Baldwin, Pedro Pascal, Connie Britton, Mark Ruffalo, Sean Astin, Debra Messing and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, songwriter Diane Warren, as well as SAG-AFTRA leaders, including President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

The proposed legislation has sparked intense discussion in California, drawing opposition from tech giants like Meta (Facebook’s parent company), OpenAI (the creator of ChatGPT), and the Chamber of Progress, a tech industry association. They released an AI-generated rock song as a form of protest against the bill, with lyrics expressing their viewpoint such as “veto the shackles that restrain us.

As a supporter speaking in first person, I join the chorus of Democratic congressional leaders such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont), and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San José) in urging Governor Newsom to veto the proposed bill. We believe that this legislation may hinder innovation in the tech sector, an area where Congress is actively engaged in fostering advancements, particularly in AI.

1047 Bill is endorsed by the Center for Artificial Intelligence Safety, notable AI experts, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. Over a hundred current and past employees from companies specializing in artificial intelligence such as OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta have signed a statement expressing their support for 1047 Bill. Advocates of the bill believe that since Congress tends to move slowly in regulating technology, California should pave the way by setting an example first.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, they often express “Move swiftly and shatter things,” according to Gordon-Levitt. However, considering the magnitude of technology today, it might be more appropriate to say “Progress at our fastest pace, ensuring we don’t accidentally damage anything along the way.

Newsom told The Times last week he had not made his mind up on SB 1047.

Governor Newsom stated, “Occasionally, you encounter a bill that isn’t routine, and its merit can hinge greatly on the last person you spoke with and their persuasiveness. This particular bill has caused quite a split among many people.

Over the past period, the California State Legislature has examined numerous bills focused on artificial intelligence (AI) due to efforts by local officials to manage and alleviate public apprehension regarding this swiftly evolving technology. Various figures in Hollywood have voiced concerns about potential job losses as a result of AI.

As a movie enthusiast looking back on last year, I recall the significant moment when the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America took a stand against the use of AI in our cherished industry, due to valid concerns about its impact. Fast forward to last week, Governor Newsom signed into law a series of bills aimed at safeguarding actors’ digital identities and combating the spread of deepfakes, particularly within political advertisements.

In a recent correspondence, a Hollywood figure expressed their gratitude towards Governor Newsom for approving legislation aimed at defending artists’ rights against questionable AI practices. They subsequently encouraged the governor to endorse SB 1047, stressing that it’s not just about safeguarding artists – it’s about protecting everyone.

In a statement, Ruffalo expressed that it’s more prudent to impose some level of control over a novel technology from the start, rather than reacting after potential damage has occurred. Instead, let’s establish some fundamental guidelines right away.

A significant number of those who signed the letter are Californian residents and well-known supporters of the Democratic Party, with Mark Ruffalo among them – a notable figure who publicly backed Newsom during his recall attempt.

In the letter, it was stated, “We cast our votes for you.” It expressed our hope that you remain a champion who prioritizes the welfare of all, rather than solely the select few in the Silicon Valley elite.

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2024-09-24 15:31

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