Well, folks, it looks like Gavin Newsom is at it again—making decisions that seem more about his own political future than the actual well-being of the people of California. In a move that surprised some but honestly shouldn’t surprise any of us, Newsom has vetoed a highly anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) safety bill that many lawmakers were hoping would set some much-needed guardrails around the growing and increasingly unpredictable world of generative AI.

Now, don’t get me wrong—California is no stranger to regulation. The state is known for its desire to control pretty much everything under the sun, from the size of your soda cup to the type of plastic bags you can use. But when it comes to AI, a technology that’s advancing faster than most lawmakers can keep up with, Newsom decided to pump the brakes.

And why, you ask? Well, because this bill, despite being hailed by some as a much-needed safeguard, didn’t quite fit with Newsom’s political ambitions. Let’s face it, he’s got his eyes on the 2028 presidential election, and making too many waves with Silicon Valley—the tech hub of the world—might just sink his future aspirations.

It’s hard to take Newsom seriously when he talks about “protecting the public” while simultaneously tossing aside a bill that was specifically designed to do just that. But hey, this is California, where the rules bend to political convenience.

Newsom’s Veto: Not About the Technology, But the Politics

In his announcement, Newsom called the bill “well-intentioned,” which is political code for “I agree with the idea but don’t like how it will play out for me personally.” According to Newsom, the bill was too broad and would have applied stringent standards to even the most basic AI functions. In other words, Newsom wasn’t ready to endorse a bill that might stifle innovation in the very state that’s home to some of the biggest tech giants on the planet.

And let’s be real—California’s tech industry is no small player. It’s a global powerhouse, and Newsom knows he can’t afford to upset the apple cart, especially not if he’s thinking about 2028.

From Pluribus:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sunday vetoed one of the year’s most closely watched artificial intelligence regulation bills, saying he wants to take a different path to develop safeguards for generative AI.

In a statement announcing the veto, Newsom called the bill “well-intentioned” but suggested it was not targeted enough.

“Instead, the bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions — so long as a large system deploys it. I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology.”

In typical Newsom fashion, he talks about the importance of protecting the public, but then rejects the very tools that could do just that. Why? Because this bill would’ve stepped on the toes of the powerful tech lobby. Big Tech doesn’t want the government meddling too much in AI, and Newsom knows it. So instead of standing up for meaningful regulation, he punted.

The Bill: A Step in the Right Direction or Too Much Control?

To be fair, the bill wasn’t perfect. It aimed to impose strict regulations on the use of AI, which many agree is necessary given how rapidly the technology is evolving. The concern, though, is that it would have applied sweeping restrictions not just to advanced AI but even to the most basic uses. Critics, including Newsom, argue that this approach would slow down innovation and place unnecessary burdens on companies trying to push the envelope in AI development.

But here’s the thing—without some form of regulation, we’re heading into dangerous waters. AI is already being used in ways that many people don’t even realize, from facial recognition software to chatbots that can generate content in mere seconds. Without any guardrails, this technology could quickly become a free-for-all, with the public paying the price for the lack of oversight. And wasn’t that what this bill was trying to address?

Yet, Newsom doesn’t seem too interested in walking that fine line between innovation and safety. Instead, he chose the path that ensures he stays in the good graces of the tech industry. Can you blame him? Well, actually, yes, you can—because at the end of the day, his job is to protect the people of California, not to protect his political career or his ties to Silicon Valley.

Newsom’s Eye on 2028: Playing Politics with AI

Let’s not kid ourselves—this veto wasn’t just about AI. It was about the future. Newsom’s future, to be specific. He’s already being floated as a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, and he knows that taking a hard line on tech regulation might not sit well with the deep-pocketed donors who will bankroll his campaign. By vetoing this bill, Newsom is playing both sides, pretending to care about public safety while quietly ensuring that Silicon Valley keeps the checks coming.

What’s even more frustrating is that Newsom’s decision leaves California, and the rest of the country, without a clear path forward on AI regulation. Other states were likely watching this bill closely, and now that it’s been shot down, it could slow down efforts to establish nationwide standards. But again, why should Newsom care about that? He’s focused on the long game—getting to the White House. And for him, that means staying friendly with Big Tech.

Key Takeaways:

• Gavin Newsom vetoed a major AI safety bill, citing concerns that it was too broad and would stifle innovation.
• The decision seems more about protecting his political future and maintaining good relations with Silicon Valley than actually safeguarding the public.
• Newsom’s veto raises questions about whether he’s more focused on his 2028 presidential run than addressing the real dangers posed by unregulated AI.

Source: Pluribus News