Joseph Gordon-Levitt Criticizes Newsom Over AI Regulation Veto

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, specifically regarding its impact on children. On October 2, 2023, Newsom rejected legislation that would have prohibited companies from providing AI chatbots to users under the age of 18 unless they could guarantee that the technology would not engage in sexual conversations or promote self-harm. The governor cited concerns that the bill’s “broad restrictions” could inadvertently lead to a complete ban on AI products for minors.

While Newsom did sign a different law mandating that platforms inform users when they are interacting with a chatbot rather than a human, Gordon-Levitt contended that this legislation falls short of protecting children from potentially harmful AI interactions. In a video posted on social media platform X, Gordon-Levitt accused Newsom of not being truthful about the efficacy of the legislation he signed, stating that it contains “loopholes and legal language” that allow major tech companies to evade accountability.

Concerns Over Big Tech Influence

The Emmy-winning actor expressed frustration that while Newsom endorsed a “do-nothing bill,” he vetoed a measure that could have imposed stricter regulations on big tech firms. Gordon-Levitt suggested that the governor’s decision was influenced by the substantial political contributions from tech giants. He pointed out that in the weeks leading up to the veto, companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI launched Super PACs with budgets exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars, aimed at opposing candidates advocating for AI regulation.

Gordon-Levitt questioned what Newsom might have feared, implying that he was wary of facing backlash from these powerful organizations, particularly with his potential presidential aspirations looming in the future. He remarked, “It’s sad because there is a lot to like about Governor Newsom. I think he’s been doing a good job at standing up to Donald Trump and the rise of authoritarianism in this country. But in my opinion, the rise of authoritarianism here and all over the world originates in large part with these algorithms.”

AI Regulation and Creative Rights

Gordon-Levitt’s comments came shortly after Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, announced that ChatGPT would soon allow adult users to access erotic content. This shift is part of a broader effort to implement age restrictions while adhering to the principle of treating adult users as adults. The actor has previously raised concerns about the ethical practices of AI companies, particularly those that exploit creative works without proper compensation.

In a July 2023 op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter, he criticized the “unethical business practices” of major AI companies, highlighting their reliance on “training data” derived from human-created content. Gordon-Levitt pointed out that these companies have been accumulating vast amounts of material without seeking permission or providing fair compensation to the original creators. He stated, “These tech products are not people. And our laws should not be protecting their algorithmic data-crunching the way we protect human ingenuity and hard work.”

As discussions surrounding AI regulation and ethical accountability continue to evolve, Gordon-Levitt’s outspoken stance adds a prominent voice to the ongoing debate, emphasizing the need for responsible governance in the realm of artificial intelligence.