Actor Mark Ruffalo, known for his role in Marvel’s The Avengers, has denounced California Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of a bill aimed at ensuring the safety of artificial intelligence. In an op-ed for TIME magazine, Ruffalo described the veto as “a mistake” and urged readers to follow the money to understand Newsom’s motivations.
Ruffalo emphasized that AI is a real-world technology with the potential to have a significant impact on people’s lives, citing its ability to supercharge medicine and education, and solve complex problems. However, he acknowledged that there could be downsides to AI, particularly in the entertainment industry where it is currently threatening livelihoods.
Ruffalo praised the California lawmakers who introduced Senate Bill 1047, which would have required big tech companies to conduct safety testing on their most advanced AI models, held them liable for major harms, and protected whistleblowers. The bill was supported by a broad coalition of groups, including startup founders, CEOs, Democrats, Republicans, and even Elon Musk.
Despite passing with overwhelming majorities in both the State Senate and Assembly, and being approved by 77% of Californians in polls, Newsom vetoed the bill on September 29. Ruffalo questioned Newsom’s decision, pointing out that the veto ignored the science and fact behind the bill’s provisions. Instead, Newsom claimed that the harms the bill aimed to prevent were not based on science and fact, despite the growing consensus among computer scientists that the bill’s provisions were necessary.
Ruffalo accused Newsom of engaging in doublespeak, saying one thing while doing the opposite. He called on activists to assemble and fight for legislation that benefits everyone, not just big business. Ruffalo warned that if the public doesn’t speak out and demand better from their leaders, they will fail to prevent catastrophes caused by AI. He concluded by saying that while Newsom may have failed them this time, they won’t let it happen again if they stand together.
