California lawmakers are considering imposing restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence, particularly in political advertisements and college classrooms. Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of AI technology, prompting calls for tighter regulations.
The proposed bill, authored by Democratic Assemblywomen Wendy Carrillo and Sabrina Cervantes, has passed in the Assembly and is now being deliberated in the Senate. The lawmakers point out that the rapid advancements in AI technology have led to the creation of convincingly real but ultimately fake materials, posing a threat to democracy.
If the legislation is signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, it will come into effect on January 1, 2025. The bill aims to address the issue of generative AI platforms being used to create false content in political ads.
Recent amendments to the bill have narrowed its scope to state campaign committees. This move is seen as a step towards enhancing transparency requirements related to generative AI technology.
Another bill related to AI technology in college classrooms has been introduced by Ms. Cervantes with the support of the Faculty Association of Community Colleges. While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in education, Ms. Cervantes emphasized the irreplaceable role of human faculty in teaching students.
The fate of these bills now rests in the hands of Gov. Newsom, who will decide whether to approve or veto them. As the debate on regulating artificial intelligence continues, lawmakers are working to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and mitigating its potential negative impacts.
