Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More
The battle of the AI titans: LeCun vs. Hinton on SB 1047
Yann LeCun, chief AI scientist at Meta, publicly rebuked supporters of California’s contentious AI safety bill, SB 1047, on Wednesday. His criticism came just one day after Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “godfather of AI,” endorsed the legislation. This stark disagreement between two pioneers in artificial intelligence highlights the deep divisions within the AI community over the future of regulation.
California’s legislature has passed SB 1047, which now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. The bill has become a lightning rod for debate about AI regulation. It would establish liability for developers of large-scale AI models that cause catastrophic harm if they failed to take appropriate safety measures. The legislation applies only to models costing at least $100 million to train and operating in California, the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Most of these signatories have a distorted view of what is coming next with AI.
The distortion is due to their inexperience, naïveté on how difficult the next steps in AI will be, wild overestimates of their employer’s lead and their ability to make fast progress, and financial…
— Yann LeCun (@ylecun) September 11, 2024
Inside SB 1047: The controversial bill reshaping AI regulation
The debate surrounding SB 1047 has scrambled traditional political alliances. Supporters include Elon Musk, despite his previous criticism of the bill’s author, State Senator Scott Wiener. Opponents include Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco Mayor London Breed, along with several major tech companies and venture capitalists.
Anthropic, an AI company that initially opposed the bill, changed its stance after several amendments were made, stating that the bill’s “benefits likely outweigh its costs.” This shift highlights the evolving nature of the legislation and the ongoing negotiations between lawmakers and the tech industry.
Critics of SB 1047 argue that it could stifle innovation and disadvantage smaller companies and open-source projects. Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearning.AI, wrote in TIME magazine that the bill “makes the fundamental mistake of regulating a general purpose technology rather than applications of that technology.”
Proponents, however, insist that the potential risks of unregulated AI development far outweigh these concerns. They argue that the bill’s focus on models with budgets exceeding $100 million ensures that it primarily affects large, well-resourced companies capable of implementing robust safety measures.
Silicon Valley divided: How SB 1047 is splitting the tech world
The involvement of current employees from companies opposing the bill adds another layer of complexity to the debate. It suggests internal disagreements within these organizations about the appropriate balance between innovation and safety.
As Governor Newsom considers whether to sign SB 1047, he faces a decision that could shape the future of AI development not just in California, but potentially across the United States. With the European Union already moving forward with its own AI Act, California’s decision could influence whether the U.S. takes a more proactive or hands-off approach to AI regulation at the federal level.
The clash between LeCun and Hinton serves as a microcosm of the larger debate surrounding AI safety and regulation. It highlights the challenge policymakers face in crafting legislation that addresses legitimate safety concerns without unduly hampering technological progress.
As the AI field continues to advance at a breakneck pace, the outcome of this legislative battle in California may set a crucial precedent for how societies grapple with the promises and perils of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems. The tech world, policymakers, and the public alike will be watching closely as Governor Newsom weighs his decision in the coming weeks.
VB Daily
Stay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox daily
Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.
An error occurred.
FAQs
Q: What is SB 1047?
A: SB 1047 is a controversial bill in California that aims to regulate large-scale AI models and establish liability for developers in certain cases.
Q: Who are the key figures involved in the debate over SB 1047?
A: Key figures include Yann LeCun and Geoffrey Hinton, who have opposing views on the legislation, as well as Governor Gavin Newsom and various tech industry leaders.
Q: Why is SB 1047 significant for the future of AI regulation?
A: SB 1047 could set a precedent for how AI development is regulated not just in California but potentially across the United States, with implications for the global tech industry.
Credit: venturebeat.com
