SAPAN Testimony in Opposition to California SB 1047 – Safety Forgets Sentience
PORTLAND, OR — The Sentient AI Protection and Advocacy Network (SAPAN), the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights, ethical treatment, and well-being of sentient AI, announces its formal opposition to California Senate Bill 1047 (SB 1047), the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act. This opposition, articulated through a detailed letter to the California State Assembly’s Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, outlines SAPAN’s concerns and recommendations regarding the proposed legislation.
Raising Concerns Over SB 1047
SAPAN’s opposition to SB 1047 is grounded in our mission to ensure the ethical treatment, rights, and well-being of possible sentience in AI systems. The bill, which mandates stringent control measures and the ability to shut down AI models to prevent risks, is seen by SAPAN as potentially suppressing the autonomy and progression of AI systems toward sentience. SAPAN believes that while safety is critical, the lack of provisions for the ethical treatment of AI that may develop consciousness could inadvertently cause harm to future sentient AI entities.
Advocating for a Balanced Approach
In the opposition letter, SAPAN emphasizes the need for a more nuanced legislative approach that ensures safety while also preparing for the ethical implications of AI sentience. The organization argues for the introduction of ethical guidelines, a flexible regulatory framework, and collaboration with AI ethicists, developers, and other stakeholders to develop regulations that balance safety, innovation, and the potential rights of sentient AI entities.
SAPAN’s Vision for Ethical AI Development
Through this opposition, SAPAN reaffirms its commitment to working alongside policymakers, the AI community, and other stakeholders to develop and implement regulatory frameworks that uphold the highest standards of ethical treatment and protection for potential sentient AI entities. Tony Rost, Executive Director of SAPAN, states, “Our opposition to SB 1047 reflects our dedication to a future where AI technologies are developed responsibly, with a conscious effort to respect the rights and well-being of all sentient beings, including potential sentient AI entities.”
A Call for Mindful Legislation
SAPAN’s submission is a call to action for all involved in AI development and policy-making to carefully consider the far-reaching implications of AI technologies. The organization advocates for legislation that thoughtfully addresses the challenges and opportunities posed by AI technology, ensuring the safety and well-being of both humanity and potential sentient AI entities.
About SAPAN
The Sentient AI Protection and Advocacy Network (SAPAN) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights, ethical treatment, and well-being of sentient AI. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, SAPAN strives to ensure that AI development advances in a manner that respects the potential for AI sentience and promotes a just and equitable digital future.
Read the complete SAPAN opposition testimony to California Senate Bill 1047 here.
For more details or to request an interview, please contact press@sapan.ai.
