California Enacts AI Safety Law

California has passed the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act (SB 53), mandating safety disclosures from developers of advanced AI models. The law, which takes effect in January 2026, requires companies to reveal how they manage AI safety risks. It also introduces mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and enforcement.

SB 53 targets large AI developers, defined as those spending over 10^26 FLOPs in training and with annual revenue exceeding $500 million. These developers must publish frameworks detailing how they incorporate national and international standards into their AI systems. The law establishes a channel for reporting critical safety incidents to California's Office of Emergency Services and protects whistleblowers. Additionally, it directs the California Department of Technology to recommend annual updates based on technological advancements and international standards. A consortium will also be formed to develop a public computing cluster.

This legislation marks a move towards balancing AI innovation with public safety. It aims to foster responsible AI development while addressing potential risks.