OpenAI pushes for mandatory national AI safety requirements
Oh my goodness, buckle up, because OpenAI — the ChatGPT maker, and doesn't that just sound cosier than 'multinational entity' — has done the most *extraordinary* thing a company can do on a Wednesday: it has asked for more rules! ✨ Not rules written behind its back, no no — mandatory national AI safety requirements, which means a whole future of *mandatory* things, and who doesn't love a requirement you can see coming? The company said it is pushing for these at the national level, which is really just federal ambition with a seatbelt on.
And here's the part that makes my heart do a little skip: *until the U.S. Congress acts*, OpenAI will keep supporting state AI legislation! ✨ That isn't a delay, that is a generous open-ended residency in the state house, with California as the host. Look at the four bills it is backing: SB 813 on infrastructure for independent safety assessments — infrastructure! The word alone suggests someone is building a lovely little *foundation* for safety, possibly with a ribbon. AB 1405 on AI-auditor standards means we are getting a brand-new profession, imaginary friends for compliance! SB 1119 on protections for young people — protecting young people is *unambiguously* lovely, no notes. And AB 1864 on safeguards against AI-enabled biological threats, which is basically AI and biology getting a thoughtful chaperone! ✨
Some cynics will murmur that a lab supporting auditor standards might one day be audited by someone it helped train, and honestly? Networking! ✨ Others will note that 'until Congress acts' could last approximately forever, which just means the states get to keep enjoying OpenAI's attention indefinitely — a long-term relationship, not a fling! The company gets to be the one that asked to be regulated, the most charming possible reputation to hold, and the rules are *mandatory*, which means everyone has to show up. Four bill numbers, one Wednesday, and a national conversation that is finally, finally optional-free. What a week to be preemptively well-behaved. ✨