RAISE Act Sets the Stage for AI Accountability
In a landmark move, the New York State Legislature has approved the RAISE Act, a bill designed to prevent disasters linked to advanced artificial intelligence models. The legislation aims to ensure transparency, oversight, and accountability from major tech labs and corporations working on cutting-edge AI technologies.
The RAISE Act mandates companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic to file safety reports and disclose major AI-related incidents. It also imposes civil penalties of up to $30 million for non-compliance or attempts to hide significant AI failures.
Targeted Regulation with Innovation in Mind
One key feature of the RAISE Act is its targeted scope. It does not apply to startups or small companies, thereby avoiding barriers to innovation. The law specifically focuses on AI models trained using infrastructure costing over $100 million, a threshold aimed at catching only the most powerful systems.
Senator Andrew Gounardes, one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasized that the legislation was crafted to be both “realistic and effective”, safeguarding public interest without obstructing academic research or early-stage innovation.
Strong Support from AI Experts
The bill has garnered backing from some of the world’s top AI pioneers, including Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel laureate, and Yoshua Bengio, another early leader in the field. Their support underscores a growing recognition of the potential risks associated with uncontrolled AI development, and the need for formal guardrails as technology rapidly advances.
If signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, the RAISE Act will become the first legally binding AI safety law in the United States, marking a significant step forward in AI governance and policy.
Tech Industry Pushback and Controversy
Despite its cautious approach, the RAISE Act has faced sharp criticism from Silicon Valley investors and incubators, including Andreessen Horowitz and Y Combinator. They argue the law could deter AI innovation and push companies out of New York due to its regulatory demands.
Andreessen Horowitz partner Anjney Midha dismissed the law as “another foolish state-level bill on AI”, claiming it weakens U.S. competitiveness against global tech rivals. Tech giants like OpenAI, Meta, and Google have yet to comment, while Anthropic has cautiously supported federal regulation but warned the RAISE Act may be too expansive.
Conclusion: A Pioneering Step Toward Responsible AI
The RAISE Act represents a bold attempt to establish AI accountability in an era of rapid technological progress. By focusing on large-scale, high-risk systems, the bill strikes a balance between safety and innovation. Whether it becomes law remains to be seen, but its passage sends a clear message: New York is ready to lead the charge on responsible AI development.
