Artificial Intelligence Regulation in California
More than a year after European legislation regulating artificial intelligence came into force, the state of California, recognized as the birthplace of this transformative technology, has enacted a similar law aimed at regulating the development and application of AI.
The SB 53 Law
On October 7, 2025, California passed the “SB 53” law, which aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence within the state. This legislative move is particularly significant given California’s role as the headquarters for tech giants such as Google, Meta, OpenAI (ChatGPT), and Anthropic, all of which are vital players in the AI sector.
The initiators of SB 53 sought to strike a balance between fostering innovation and preventing the uncontrolled development of AI technologies, addressing the potential risks associated with unregulated AI advancements.
A Precedent Set by Europe
The new Californian law is considered unprecedented on a global scale, but it follows in the footsteps of the European AI Act, which came into effect on August 1, 2024, with gradual implementation beginning on February 2, 2025. The European AI Act was previously hailed as pioneering and has set a benchmark for AI regulation worldwide.
Political Context and Challenges
The legislative efforts in California come in the wake of two unsuccessful attempts to regulate AI in the United States, particularly amid resistance from the previous Republican administration under Donald Trump. The administration argued that any form of regulation might hinder the U.S. in the global AI race, particularly against China, which has not imposed similar restrictions.
Interestingly, the concerns surrounding innovation were not just prevalent among Republicans. This argument was also echoed by California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, who vetoed a prior bill proposed by local senator Scott Wiener, viewing it as excessively strict despite it being a Democratic initiative.
The passage of SB 53 marks a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for regulatory frameworks that can safeguard innovation while addressing the inherent risks of AI technologies.
As California moves forward with this legislation, the implications for the tech industry, regulatory landscape, and AI advancements will be closely observed by stakeholders across the globe.
