California’s leadership marks a substantial step toward holding AI companies accountable.

Design It For Us California State Lead Vinaya Sivakumar released the following statement upon the signature of the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act by Governor Gavin Newsom:

“We applaud the California State Assembly for working to hold AI companies accountable and are thrilled to see Governor Newsom sign SB 53 into law. We are deeply grateful to Senator Scott Wiener and the bill’s sponsors for their tireless leadership in making this landmark legislation a reality. SB 53’s transparency requirements and crucial safety mechanisms for addressing critical risk will ensure AI companies learn from the negligence of social media companies that failed to embrace regulation.

“We are especially proud of our California advocates who showed up at the legislature and urged action. AI is the new frontier of innovation, and legislation like this will help young people not only adapt to but thrive alongside emerging technologies. California’s leadership shows why states must have the power to set standards for AI companies, especially while Congress is in a legislative gridlock.

“But this is only the beginning. To truly safeguard the future, we need design-centered regulation, mandatory safety testing, and robust data privacy protections for all technologies. Today we celebrate a major step forward, but we know much more work lies ahead to ensure AI companies are held accountable for their impact.”

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Background: 

  • Design It For Us endorsed SB-53 in August, along with the launch of its inaugural State Leadership initiative. 
  • Dozens of Design It For Us advocates rallied in Sacramento, alongside partners, in support of SB 53
  • Design It For Us organized and delivered a joint letter with Encode and 21 supporting organizations urging Governor Newsom to sign SB 53.

About Design It For Us

Design It For Us is a youth-led coalition of young people, activists, and leaders that aims to achieve policy reforms to protect kids, teens, and young adults online. The coalition is led by two Co-Chairs and a team of Organizing Directors between the ages of 18 and 26. The coalition is also supported by an array of youth-led organizations and advisors.