California SB 1047 – Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier AI Models Act
Description
- Purpose: Establish safety and security requirements for frontier AI models to protect public interests while fostering innovation
- Jurisdiction: California, USA
- Effective Date: Proposed (as of 2024)
- Detection Tools:
- Related Risks:
- Related Regulations:
- US EO on AI - Federal AI Guidelines
- EU AI Act - Similar Risk-Based Approach
- CCPA/CPRA - CA Privacy Law
California Senate Bill 1047, known as the Frontier AI Model Safety Act, was a legislative proposal aimed at regulating the development of advanced, large-scale AI models. Although vetoed, it sought to impose rigorous safety testing, documentation, and emergency shutdown requirements for frontier AI systems to mitigate potential risks. The bill aimed to preemptively address the challenges posed by high-capacity AI in sensitive applications.
Scope & Applicability
SB 1047 was targeted at developers and providers of "frontier" AI models that exceed defined computational and financial thresholds.
- Covered Entities: Large AI developers and organizations using significant compute resources for training advanced AI systems.
- Data Types: Data used in training and operating high-capacity AI models, especially those with potential critical applications.
- Key Exemptions: Academic research, open-source projects not deployed commercially, and smaller-scale AI initiatives.
Key Requirements
The bill proposed a framework to ensure the safe development and deployment of frontier AI systems:
- Implement a "kill switch" or shutdown mechanism to halt dangerous AI behavior.
- Conduct comprehensive pre-deployment safety and risk assessments.
- Special Focus Areas:
- Safety Protocols: Develop detailed safety plans and conduct independent audits.
- Cloud Provider Responsibilities: Monitor and report on large-scale compute usage for potential frontier AI training.
- Additional Focus: Annual compliance reporting and incident notification to state authorities.
Impact on LLM/AI Deployments
For developers of LLMs and other advanced AI systems, SB 1047 would mandate strict safety measures:
- Model Safety: Incorporate emergency shutdown capabilities and thorough risk assessments into AI development.
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records of safety tests and compliance measures.
- Cloud Monitoring: Ensure that cloud providers assist in detecting and flagging high-compute training activities.
- Security and Observability Considerations:
- Compute Monitoring: Deploy tools to track compute usage and flag potential frontier models.
- Audit Trails: Record training activities and safety tests in detail.
- Access Restrictions: Limit changes to safety protocols to authorized personnel.
- Incident Reporting: Establish rapid reporting channels for safety incidents.
- Continuous Evaluation: Regularly update safety measures in response to new risks.
Enforcement & Penalties
Although vetoed, SB 1047 envisioned strict enforcement by state authorities.
- Enforcement Body: California Attorney General.
- Fines and Penalties:
- Civil Penalties: Fines up to 10% of the model development cost for violations.
- Corrective Measures: Mandated shutdowns and public disclosure of non-compliance.
- Additional Enforcement Mechanisms: Annual independent audits and whistleblower protections.
- Operational Impacts: Non-compliance would lead to major operational disruptions and significant financial liabilities.