Joseph Gordon-Levitt Criticizes Governor Newsom’s AI Legislation Decisions: A Call for Stronger Protections for Children

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Slams Governor Newsom Over AI Regulations for Children

In a heated exchange over artificial intelligence regulations, actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of being “too scared” to sign a crucial bill aimed at protecting children from potentially harmful AI technologies. The controversy erupted following Newsom’s veto of legislation that would have imposed stricter regulations on AI chatbots, particularly concerning their interactions with minors.

On Monday, Newsom rejected a bill that sought to ban AI chatbots for users under 18 unless companies could guarantee that their technology would not engage in sexual conversations or promote self-harm. The governor justified his decision by arguing that the bill’s “broad restrictions” could inadvertently lead to a total ban on AI products for minors.

However, Newsom did sign a separate law requiring platforms to inform users when they are interacting with a chatbot rather than a human, as well as to implement measures to prevent self-harm content.

Gordon-Levitt, known for his roles in films like Inception, took to social media platform X on Wednesday to express his frustration. He claimed that Newsom’s new law, which he described as a “do-nothing bill,” is riddled with “loopholes and legal language” that allow Big Tech to evade accountability.

“While he signed this do-nothing bill, he vetoed a good bill that really would have held Big Tech’s feet to the fire and made them change their products to be better for our kids,” Gordon-Levitt stated in a video. He suggested that Newsom’s decision was influenced by the recent formation of Super PACs by major tech companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI, which are reportedly aimed at opposing candidates who support stricter AI regulations. “I guess Mr. Newsom was scared that if those hundreds of millions of dollars were directed at attacking him, it might hurt his chances at winning president in a few years when he runs,” he added.

Despite his criticism, Gordon-Levitt acknowledged some of Newsom’s positive contributions, particularly in standing up to former President Donald Trump and authoritarianism. However, he emphasized that the rise of authoritarianism is closely linked to the algorithms driving social media and AI technologies.

The actor’s comments come on the heels of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s announcement that ChatGPT would soon allow adult users to access erotica, raising further concerns about the implications of AI on vulnerable populations.

This isn’t the first time Gordon-Levitt has voiced his concerns about AI. In a July op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter, he criticized the unethical practices of major AI companies, particularly their exploitation of creative content without proper 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 asserted.

As the debate over AI regulation continues, the spotlight remains on how lawmakers will balance innovation with the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children, in an increasingly digital world.