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Becerra: California Lacks AI Regulations, Seeks State Equity in AI

Created at 12 Aug · 2:16 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra stated the state has "hardly any" AI regulations, diverging from Governor Newsom's claims of leadership. Becerra also expressed interest in California acquiring equity in AI companies to ensure broad economic benefit from the technology.

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Who's Involved

Xavier Becerra
California Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate
Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
OpenAI
AI company
Anthropic
AI company
Google
AI company
Meta
AI company

↳ Why This Matters

California's approach to AI regulation significantly influences national and global tech policy due to its status as the home of Silicon Valley. Becerra's comments suggest a potential shift in the state's regulatory stance and its approach to ensuring equitable distribution of AI's economic benefits.

Key facts

  • California Attorney General Xavier Becerra stated the state has "hardly any" AI regulations.
  • Becerra's remarks diverge from Governor Gavin Newsom's assertions that California leads in AI regulation.
  • Becerra expressed interest in California acquiring equity in AI companies to ensure equitable distribution of benefits from the technology.
  • He clarified that this does not necessarily mean public shares in AI companies but a similar concept is plausible.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has stated that the state possesses "hardly any" regulations concerning artificial intelligence. This assertion marks a departure from the narrative often promoted by Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders, who frequently highlight California's supposed leadership in AI regulation.

Becerra's comments, made following the release of his policy memo on AI rulemaking in the spring, are expected to draw attention from major AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta. These companies are closely observing California's policy direction, particularly as Governor Newsom prepares to leave office at the end of the year.

Furthermore, Becerra indicated a desire for California to "buy some equity in AI" to ensure that the economic gains from this burgeoning technology do not exacerbate existing inequalities. He drew a parallel to keeping the tech industry within the state, similar to his goal of retaining Hollywood. While he clarified that this does not necessarily mean public ownership of shares in AI companies, he suggested that "something along those lines wouldn’t be totally far fetched."

Frequently asked questions

Xavier Becerra stated that California "hardly has any" AI regulations, contradicting claims that the state is a leader in this area.

Becerra's statement suggests a lack of AI regulation, while Governor Newsom has often claimed California is leading the nation in AI regulation.

Becerra expressed interest in California acquiring equity in AI companies to ensure the benefits of the technology are shared broadly and do not worsen economic inequality.

He clarified that it doesn't necessarily mean public shares but suggested a similar concept is plausible.

What Happens Next

01AI companies will continue to monitor California's evolving tech policy.
02Further details on Becerra's proposed equity stake in AI may emerge.

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Cadence

How It Developed

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra stated the state has minimal AI regulations.
Becerra's comments contrast with Governor Gavin Newsom's claims of California leading on AI regulation.
Becerra released a policy memo on AI rulemaking in the spring.
AI companies are closely monitoring California's tech policy trajectory following Newsom's departure.
Becerra expressed a desire for California to "buy some equity in AI" to prevent economic inequality.
He clarified this does not mean public shares in AI companies but something similar is possible.

Sources

T1
Xavier Becerra: ‘We hardly have any’ AI regulations in CaliforniaPolitico

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