Latest news with #RAISEAct


Time of India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New York State passes RAISE Act for frontier AI models
In a first of its kind, New York state lawmakers have passed the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act, to prevent frontier AI models by OpenAI, Google or Anthropic from contributing to disaster scenarios, including the death or injury of more than 100 people, or more than $1 billion in damages. According to a TechCrunch report, the legislation has been supported by top AI experts Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio. If converted into a law, it would be the first set of legally mandated transparency standards for frontier AI labs. The legislation comes as a reform for the previous AI safety bill, which was ultimately vetoed. The AI safety bill targeted only large-scale models and didn't address high-risk deployment or smaller but potentially dangerous models. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo The Act is now awaiting the approval of New York governor Kathy Hochul, who can either sign it, send it back for amendments, or veto it. The key provisions of the proposed RAISE Act include- Live Events Requires AI labs to release safety and security reports on their frontier AI models In case of AI model behaviour or bad actors affecting the AI systems, the labs are mandated to report such safety incidents. Failure to comply with brings civil penalties up to $30 million Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Coming to similar perspectives on India's AI ecosystem , analysts believe that while AI will be a catalyst for India's economic growth, guardrails and governance will be key to adopt the technology safely and to build resilience amid possible disruption. In a recent global survey by IBM , it was revealed that AI adoption in India is higher than in other countries. However, this is more experimentation while adoption at scale still lags. To mitigate safety risks, tech multinationals and global capability centres (GCCs) in the country have started looking for specialised AI trust and safety roles , ET reported in March . Hiring in this space has surged 36% year-on-year, and the demand for AI trust and safety professionals is expected to grow by 2530% in 2025, data from Teamlease Digital showed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New York passes a bill to prevent AI-fueled disasters
New York state lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday that aims to prevent frontier AI models from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic from contributing to disaster scenarios, including the death or injury of more than 100 people, or more than $1 billion in damages. The passage of the RAISE Act represents a win for the AI safety movement, which has lost ground in recent years as Silicon Valley and the Trump Administration have prioritized speed and innovation. Safety advocates including Nobel prize laureate Geoffrey Hinton and AI research pioneer Yoshua Bengio have championed the RAISE Act. Should it become law, the bill would establish America's first set of legally mandated transparency standards for frontier AI labs. The RAISE Act has some of the same provisions and goals as California's controversial AI safety bill, SB 1047, which was ultimately vetoed. However, the co-sponsor of the bill, New York state Senator Andrew Gounardes told TechCrunch in an interview that he deliberately designed the RAISE Act such that it doesn't chill innovation among startups or academic researchers — a common criticism of SB 1047. 'The window to put in place guardrails is rapidly shrinking given how fast this technology is evolving,' said Senator Gounardes. 'The people that know [AI] the best say that these risks are incredibly likely […] That's alarming.' The RAISE Act is now headed for New York Governor Kathy Hochul's desk, where could either sign the bill into law, send it back for amendments, or veto it altogether. If signed into law, New York's AI safety bill would require the world's largest AI labs to publish thorough safety and security reports on their frontier AI models. The bill also requires AI labs to report safety incidents, such as concerning AI model behavior or bad actors stealing an AI model, should they happen. If tech companies fail to live up to these standards, the RAISE Act empowers New York's Attorney General to bring civil penalties of up to $30 million. The RAISE Act aims to narrowly regulate the world's largest companies — whether they're based in California (like OpenAI and Google) or China (like DeepSeek and Alibaba). The bill's transparency requirements apply to companies whose AI models were trained using more than $100 million in computing resources (seemingly, more than any AI model available today), and are being made available to New York residents. While similar to SB 1047 in some ways, the RAISE Act was designed to address criticisms of previous AI safety bills, according to Nathan Calvin, the Vice President of State Affairs and General Counsel at Encode, who worked on this bill and SB 1047. Notably, the RAISE Act does not require AI model developers to include a 'kill switch' on their models, nor does it hold companies that post-train frontier AI models accountable for critical harms. Nevertheless, Silicon Valley has pushed back significantly on New York's AI safety bill, New York state Assemblymember and co-sponsor of the RAISE Act Alex Bores told TechCrunch. Bores called the industry resistance unsurprising, but claimed that the RAISE Act would not limit innovation of tech companies in any way. 'The NY RAISE Act is yet another stupid, stupid state level AI bill that will only hurt the US at a time when our adversaries are racing ahead,' said Andreessen Horowitz general partner Anjney Midha in a Friday post on X. Andreessen Horowitz, alongside the startup incubator Y Combinator, were some of the fiercest opponents to SB 1047. Anthropic, the safety-focused AI lab that called for federal transparency standards for AI companies earlier this month, has not reached an official stance on the bill, co-founder Jack Clark said in a Friday post on X. However, Clark expressed some grievances over how broad the RAISE Act is, noting that it could present a risk to 'smaller companies.' When asked about Anthropic's criticism, state Senator Gounardes told TechCrunch he thought it 'misses the mark,' noting that he designed the bill not to apply to small companies. OpenAI, Google, and Meta did not respond to TechCrunch's request for comment. Another common criticism of the RAISE Act is that AI model developers simply wouldn't offer their most advanced AI models in the state of New York. That was a similar criticism brought against SB 1047, and it's largely what's played out in Europe thanks to the continent's tough regulations on technology. Assemblymember Bores told TechCrunch that the regulatory burden of the RAISE Act is relatively light, and therefore, shouldn't require tech companies to stop operating their products in New York. Given the fact that New York has the third largest GDP in the U.S., pulling out of the state is not something most companies would take lightly. 'I don't want to underestimate the political pettiness that might happen, but I am very confident that there is no economic reasons for them to not make their models available in New York,' said Assemblymember Borres. Sign in to access your portfolio


TechCrunch
13-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
New York passes a bill to prevent AI-fueled disasters
New York state lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday that aims to prevent frontier AI models from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic from contributing to disaster scenarios, including the death or injury of more than 100 people, or more than $1 billion in damages. The passage of the RAISE Act represents a win for the AI safety movement, which has lost ground in recent years as Silicon Valley and the Trump Administration have prioritized speed and innovation. Safety advocates including Nobel prize laureate Geoffrey Hinton and AI research pioneer Yoshua Bengio have championed the RAISE Act. Should it become law, the bill would establish America's first set of legally mandated transparency standards for frontier AI labs. The RAISE Act has many of the same provisions and goals as California's controversial AI safety bill, SB 1047, which was ultimately vetoed. However, the co-sponsor of the bill, New York state Senator Andrew Gounardes told TechCrunch in an interview that he deliberately designed the RAISE Act such that it doesn't chill innovation among startups or academic researchers — a common criticism of SB 1047. 'The window to put in place guardrails is rapidly shrinking given how fast this technology is evolving,' said Senator Gounardes. 'The people that know [AI] the best say that these risks are incredibly likely […] That's alarming.' The Raise Act is now headed for New York Governor Kathy Hochul's desk, where could either sign the bill into law, send it back for amendments, or veto it altogether. If signed into law, New York's AI safety bill would require the world's largest AI labs to publish thorough safety and security reports on their frontier AI models. The bill also requires AI labs to report safety incidents, such as concerning AI model behavior or bad actors stealing an AI model, should they happen. If tech companies fail to live up to these standards, the RAISE Act empowers New York's Attorney General to bring civil penalties of up to $30 million. The RAISE Act aims to narrowly regulate the world's largest companies — whether they're based in California (like OpenAI and Google) or China (like DeepSeek and Alibaba). The bill's transparency requirements apply to companies whose AI models were trained using more than $100 million in computing resources, and are being made available to New York residents. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW Silicon Valley has pushed back significantly on New York's AI safety bill, New York state Assemblymember and co-sponsor of the RAISE Act Alex Bores told TechCrunch. Bores called the industry resistance unsurprising, but claimed that the RAISE Act would not limit innovation of tech companies in any way. Anthropic, the safety-focused AI lab that called for federal transparency standards for AI companies earlier this month, has not reached an official stance on the bill, co-founder Jack Clark said in a Friday post on X. However, Clark expressed some grievances over how broad the RAISE Act is, noting that it could present a risk to 'smaller companies.' When asked about Anthropic's criticism, state Senator Gounardes told TechCrunch he thought it 'misses the mark,' noting that he designed the bill not to apply to small companies. OpenAI, Google, and Meta did not respond to TechCrunch's request for comment. Another common criticism of the RAISE Act is that AI model developers simply wouldn't offer their most advanced AI models in the state of New York. That was a similar criticism brought against SB 1047, and it's largely what's played out in Europe thanks to the continent's tough regulations on technology. Assemblymember Bores told TechCrunch that the regulatory burden of the RAISE Act is relatively light, and therefore, shouldn't require tech companies to stop operating their products in New York. Given the fact that New York has the third largest GDP in the U.S., pulling out of the state is not something most companies would take lightly. 'I don't want to underestimate the political pettiness that might happen, but I am very confident that there is no economic reasons for them to not make their models available in New York,' said Assemblymember Borres.


Politico
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Mamdani bids on Cuomo's bridge lights
AND ZOHRAN SAID, LET THERE BE LIGHT: He doesn't have any authority over bridges (at least, not yet), but Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani wanted to glow up anyway. Mamdani submitted bids Tuesday evening for equipment once purchased to fulfill his chief political rival's dreams of a choreographed, colored light show to create an 'international tourist attraction' on New York City's bridges. The lighting equipment is being auctioned off by the New York Power Authority. The multi-colored LEDs were bought in 2017 for $37 million to fulfill then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo's vision to illuminate the city's bridges. Cuomo, the frontrunner in the Democratic mayoral primary, proposed the light show in 2016, before the infamous subway meltdown known as 2017's 'Summer of Hell.' The project was shelved, but the power authority had already spent $100 million out of an estimated $250 million cost. The state eventually reimbursed the authority, but the lights stayed in storage — costing more than $2 million over the past 7 years. Now they're up for auction with a high bid of more than $4,000. Bidding began Monday with an opening price of $25, after POLITICO inquired about the ultimate fate of the lights. 'If you think Andrew Cuomo is going to save this city from the crisis he created, I have a bridge to sell you — but it won't be lit,' said Mamdani spokesperson Lekha Sunder in a statement. Other rival candidates challenging Cuomo also slammed the former governor over the 'vanity project.' Mamdani dropped out of the bidding before it got serious (the two top bidders now appear to be affiliated with large firms, although POLITICO could not reach them for comment). 'I ended the bidding at about what Cuomo's signature achievements are worth: about 50 bucks,' Mamdani said in a statement. It's not clear what Mamdani would have done with the hundreds of items — the winning bidder is required to remove the lights, cables and other equipment from a warehouse in Putnam County. 'Maybe as a gag at the debate?' suggested Mamdani spokesperson Andrew Epstein. But he noted the auction doesn't close until June 23, a day before the primary election. — Marie J. French From the Capitol DON'T RAISE RAISE: A coalition of tech startups is organizing against two bills aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in the Empire State. Y Combinator, a startup accelerator which has funded more than 5,000 tech firms since 2005, sent a letter today to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins arguing the RAISE Act and the New York AI Act would discourage new businesses and penalize AI firms even when their models cause unforeseen harm. 'We fully support the Legislature's goal of ensuring the safe and ethical development of AI,' the letter states. 'However, we are concerned that these two bills, as currently drafted, could unintentionally stifle innovation, impose burdensome requirements on developers, and deter open source and academic research, without meaningfully addressing the most pressing AI safety challenges.' The letter, first obtained by Playbook, has more than 50 signatories from leaders of New York tech firms, including Beam, an AI inference platform and Henry AI, a firm which uses the tech to help real estate brokers write offering memorandums. The RAISE Act, sponsored by Assemblymember Alex Bores and state Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would enact 'transparency requirements' for certain AI training models and would require tech firms create 'safety plans and disclosing safety incidents.' The New York AI Act, sponsored by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages and state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, would 'hold developers and deployers accountable for irresponsible practices and harm caused through errors of their systems.' In a statement, Gounardes said Y Combinator's position doesn't accurately represent his bill. 'The RAISE Act isn't overly prescriptive or anti-innovation; all it does is require companies to have a safety plan for their own technology,' he said. 'That's the type of reasonable, commonsense safeguard we'd expect of any company working on a potentially dangerous product, which is why it's overwhelmingly popular with New Yorkers who want AI to make life better, not put it at risk.' — Jason Beeferman NEW YORK AI ACT GATHERS SUPPORT: Gonzalez's New York AI Act got a boost today from 16 City Council members, who sent a letter to Heastie and Stewart-Cousins calling for the passage of the legislation. 'We can all agree that New York should be a leader in AI. But being a leader in AI means more than ensuring that AI innovation happens here — to us, leading in AI also means being a leader in the responsible use of AI by acting swiftly to ensure its safe development,' wrote the lawmakers in a letter first obtained by Playbook. Notably, Jennifer Gutierrez, chair of the Council's Technology Committee, signed onto the letter. The bill also got a backing from labor giant, AFL-CIO, which issued a memo in support of the legislation Wednesday. — Jason Beeferman FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL CUOMO ARGUES EXPERIENCE: Cuomo attempted to make the case again today that Mamdani lacks the experience to lead the city, POLITICO reports. 'I think New Yorkers are smart. They know that somebody has to know how to do the job,' Cuomo told reporters at a campaign event in Harlem. 'It's common sense that before you hire a person for a job, you ask about basic credentials and experience.' The 67-year-old former governor spoke at length about the 33-year-old state legislator, though he never used his name. Cuomo, who has a penchant for Socratic dialogue, acted out a mock job interview between Mamdani and a recruiter. ''Hello, I'm applying for the job of the mayor of the City of New York.' 'OK, do you have management experience?' 'No.' 'Have you managed 100 people before?' 'No.' 'Have you managed 50 people before?' 'No, I have no management experience,'' Cuomo said. He continued, suggesting Mamdani doesn't have experience dealing with President Donald Trump, building affordable housing or running mental health facilities either. Cuomo was in Harlem to announce the endorsements of former Gov. David Paterson and former Assemblymember Keith Wright, the Manhattan Democratic Party leader. Mamdani's youth and relative inexperience have emerged as top attack lines against his rising candidacy. 'Zohran is proud not to have the experience of defunding the MTA, cutting Medicaid, empowering Republicans and resigning in disgrace after being credibly accused of serial sexual harassment,' Mamdani campaign spokesperson Andrew Epstein said about Cuomo's comments. — Jeff Coltin TWEETGATE: Mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams told reporters she had 'no regrets' after deleting a tweet this morning attacking Mamdani's support for abolishing ICE — and claimed the post 'didn't criticize the assemblyman.' 'It was not the way that I wanted to say what I wanted to say, and it was misinterpreted because of that,' Adams said at a wide-ranging press conference today. The City Council speaker's Tuesday afternoon post said 'people elect us as leaders to solve problems, not pledge allegiance to rigid ideologies.' Mamdani supporters attacked her online for criticizing the lawmaker, rather than focusing on Cuomo. Adams said she has spoken about Trump 'and will continue to push back on allowing ICE into New York City.' — Jeff Coltin IN OTHER NEWS — ENDING ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS: The Legislature is expected to advance a bill which would end the program of that fields anonymous reports of child abuse, a system critics say has been weaponized against families. (Capitol Pressroom) — DO YOU KNOW MY BROTHER-IN-LAW?: Chris Cuomo's wife invoked the former governor's name when she pleaded with the chairman of the state's liquor authority to reverse its decision to revoke a Montauk bar's operating license. (Judge Street Journal) — KATHY HOCHUL, THE FIGHTER, ACC. TO ZOHRAN: Mamdani heaped praise on the moderate Democratic governor for being able to 'defend' Trump's efforts to enforce immigration policy and use troops to quell protests. (WATCH) Missed this morning's New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What to know about Alabama laws taking effect
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — With her signature, Gov. Kay Ivey changed the way schools are funded in Alabama and created some new regulations. Several of those laws have gone into effect this week. Lawmakers said there's a few things to know about these acts. One law drops the grocery tax from 3% to 2%, which will start in September. State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said it would be an extra dollar off of a $100 grocery tab. Including 2023's tax cut, that's a 50% slash on what used to be a 4% tax on groceries overall. 'Obviously, everyone has to eat, and they eat groceries, consume groceries,' Orr said. 'Therefore, the grocery tax seemed like the most logical place to continue letting Alabamians keep more of their hard-earned dollars.' Grocery shoppers aren't the only ones who will get more bang for their buck. The RAISE Act will now fund schools based on the kinds of needs students have. No active shooter incidents reported in Alabama in 2024: FBI Before, schools were just funded based on headcount. The needs now considered for school funding include English-language learners, gifted students, those with special needs and low-income students. 'Those schools are going to get more money just for your child to try to make a difference in their education, and that's the exciting part' said state Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur. State Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, agrees. She said students need this change. 'That's our future,' Drummond said. 'It's time that we invest. We know where the problems are, and the RAISE Act is going to help us address those issues.' Drummond's effort to crack down on nicotine products also went into effect this week. The law requires tobacco retailers to purchase a license to sell products. Drummond said it also requires students to learn about the harms of vaping. 'I want us to save lives and to prevent young people from hurting their bodies in the future,' Drummond said. 'So this is all about welfare of our young people in the state of Alabama.' Another law that's gone into effect allows the Alabama Farmers Federation to offer health care plans to its members. The original sponsor of the bill, state Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, said it will lower health care costs for farmers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.