Hollywood Figures Write Letter to Gov. Newsom About AI Protections
Over 125 prominent individuals in Hollywood signed the letter to persuade California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a bill that sets in place protections against AI harm.
A group of over 125 prominent Hollywood figures, including actors Mark Hamill and Jane Fonda, director J.J. Abrams, and producer Shonda Rhimes, have joined forces to push California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a proposed AI safety bill. In a letter released Tuesday, these industry leaders expressed concern over the potential risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems and called on Newsom to support Senate Bill 1047, which aims to implement safeguards against AI-related threats.
The bill seeks to hold developers of advanced AI models accountable for the potential harms their technology could cause. Under the legislation, developers would have to submit safety plans to California’s attorney general and ensure they have mechanisms in place to shut down AI models if they begin to pose an imminent threat to public safety. The goal is to prevent a technology-driven disaster before it occurs.
In the letter, which was also signed by actors Pedro Pascal, Mahershala Ali, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as well as filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Judd Apatow, the group highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns now. The Hollywood figures criticized tech industry leaders who oppose the bill, suggesting that concerns about AI’s potential dangers are not merely speculative but grounded in warnings from engineers, policymakers, and academics.
The bill has sparked significant conversation, with some companies in the tech industry disagreeing with its proposals. Companies such as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, have voiced concerns about the legislation. Critics argue that the bill could hinder innovation and pressuring Newsom to veto the measure. Other Democratic congressional leaders such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have additionally expressed concerns, advocating for a more cautious approach to regulation at the federal level.
Despite the opposition, SB 1047 has garnered strong support from various quarters. The bill is backed by the Center for AI Safety and notable figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Additionally, over 100 current and former employees from AI-related companies, such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind, have endorsed the bill. Its supporters argue that California should become a leading figure in regulating AI technology, given the slower pace of action in Congress.
The push for AI regulation comes amid growing concerns in Hollywood about how the technology will affect jobs in the entertainment industry. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have both voiced worries about the potential misuse of AI by studios, a worry that was a central issue during last year’s strikes.
Just last week, Newsom signed AI-related legislation aimed at providing actors with more control over their digital likenesses and curbing the escalation of deepfakes. The Hollywood figures thanked Newsom in their letter, expressing gratitude for these AI-related protections for artists and called on him to extend that consideration to SB 1047.
The deadline for Newsom to make his choice on the bill is fast approaching, with Monday being the final day for action. The governor has remained noncommittal thus far.
The outcome of SB 1047 will not only affect the future of AI regulation in California but could also set the tone for how other states and countries approach the rapidly advancing technology. For now, all eyes are on Newsom as the deadline looms.