California’s Tech Bill Threatens Free Speech and Innovation

**Censorship Warning: California’s Big Tech Bill Faces Backlash From Free Speech Advocates**

An upcoming legislative decision in California has raised significant concerns among free speech and innovation advocates.

Governor Gavin Newsom finds himself at a crossroads after a new bill called the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier AI Models Act was introduced.

The bill, which is expected to go into effect if not vetoed by September 30, 2024, aims to impose strict regulations on open-source AI developers. It would hold these developers accountable for how their technology is used and modified by others, essentially pushing smaller companies and independent developers toward closed-source models that are heavy on censorship.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a veteran Democrat, has jumped into the fray, urging Newsom to reconsider the implications of this sweeping legislation. Pelosi stressed that while protecting consumers is important in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence, the proposed bill could ultimately stifle innovation and violate free speech principles.

If enacted, the bill could significantly benefit large companies familiar with the regulatory landscape, like Google, while potentially crushing smaller, vibrant players in the tech landscape. The closed-source model, often criticized for its opacity and tendency to suppress conservative viewpoints, would become the new norm.

AI expert Anjney Midha warned that if this bill becomes law, open-source AI research could become nearly impossible in the US due to the legal risks involved.

Such restrictions could pave the way for a dangerous precedent in which free expression and intellectual inquiry are sacrificed on the altar of corporate control.

Critics said it was a worrying step toward regulatory capture, with incumbent tech giants shaping regulations to their own advantage and ultimately harming competition and innovation.

Newsom has a questionable record on free speech issues and has faced scrutiny for previous actions deemed to have violated citizens’ rights to express themselves and worship freely.

The stakes are high as California considers measures that could determine the future of the tech sector and whose impacts extend far beyond its borders.

As the debate continues, it is increasingly clear that the First Amendment must remain paramount in the discourse around big tech and AI. Those who value free speech are encouraged to reach out to Governor Newsom and urge him to respect the freedoms that form the cornerstone of democracy and innovation.

Sources:
theguardian.com
brownstone.org
newshunters.org