Joseph Gordon-Levitt Critiques Newsom’s AI Regulation Veto

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing a significant bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly those affecting children. On March 25, 2024, Newsom rejected the legislation that would have prohibited companies from making AI chatbots available to individuals under 18 unless they could guarantee that the technology would not engage in inappropriate conversations or promote self-harm.

In his veto statement, Newsom expressed concerns that the bill’s “broad restrictions” could inadvertently lead to an outright ban on AI products for minors. Despite this, he did approve a separate law mandating that platforms inform users when they are interacting with a chatbot rather than a human, along with implementing measures to prevent self-harm content.

Gordon-Levitt, who has been vocal about the implications of AI, took to social media to challenge Newsom’s decision. In a video posted on X, he stated that the governor was “not telling the truth” regarding the legislation he signed, which he claimed “fails to genuinely protect kids from predatory AI companions.” The actor accused the recent law of containing “loopholes and legal language that’s been letting Big Tech off the hook for a long time.”

“While he signed this do-nothing bill, he vetoed a good bill that really would have held Big Tech’s feet to the fire,” Gordon-Levitt remarked. He further speculated that Newsom’s reluctance to sign the proposed legislation might stem from the substantial financial influence of major tech firms. Just weeks before the deadline for signing or vetoing bills, companies such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI launched Super PACs with budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars aimed at opposing regulatory candidates.

The actor’s criticism extended to Newsom’s broader political stance, acknowledging his efforts against former President Donald Trump and authoritarianism. Yet, Gordon-Levitt argued that the rise of such political challenges is intrinsically linked to the algorithms driving social media and AI technologies.

These comments surfaced shortly after Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, announced that ChatGPT would soon allow adult users access to erotic content as part of their age-gating strategy. This decision has raised further questions about the responsibilities of AI companies regarding user interactions and content moderation.

Gordon-Levitt’s commentary on AI is not a new development. Earlier in July 2023, he penned an op-ed in The Hollywood Reporter, where he criticized the ethical practices of major AI companies, particularly concerning their treatment of creative works. He pointed out that contemporary generative AI relies heavily on “training data” — the creative outputs of individuals that are often used without permission or compensation.

“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,” he stated, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations that prioritize the rights of creators in the age of AI.

As the debate over AI regulation continues, the contrasting positions of leaders like Newsom and advocates like Gordon-Levitt highlight the complexities and urgent needs for effective policies in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The outcome of such discussions will likely have lasting implications for both the industry and its users, particularly vulnerable populations like children.