Key facts
- Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for California governor, criticized AI industry leaders.
- Hilton suggested that AI leaders' discussions of AI risks contribute to public frustration and distrust.
- He believes current AI regulation is insufficient, particularly concerning children and creative industries.
- Hilton is set to face Xavier Becerra in a November runoff election.
Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate vying for the governorship of California, has sharply criticized leaders within the artificial intelligence industry. Hilton argued that the industry's own acknowledgment of the risks posed by unchecked AI development has fueled public frustration and distrust, particularly in the home of Silicon Valley. He suggested that AI founders' pronouncements about potential dangers are counterproductive to public relations.
Hilton, who is married to a former communications chief for major tech companies like Google and Facebook, stated that while the risks of AI, especially to children and the creative community, are genuine, governments have failed to implement effective regulation. He expressed concern that current policies might under-regulate certain harms while potentially overregulating beneficial aspects of the technology.
The former British policy adviser advanced to a November runoff election, where he will face former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. This contest takes place in a state where Democrats hold a significant advantage.