Oppose AB-412: Protect Innovation in AI Development

Subject: Oppose AB-412: Protect Innovation and Reduce Burdens on AI Developers

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing to express my opposition to AB-412, which seeks to regulate the use of copyrighted materials in training generative artificial intelligence models. This bill, while well-intentioned, poses significant challenges that could stifle innovation and economic growth in the AI sector. The documentation and disclosure requirements outlined in Section 3116 impose substantial administrative burdens on developers, particularly those working with large datasets. This could deter the use of copyrighted materials, limiting the scope and quality of AI models developed in California. Furthermore, the requirement to provide a complete list of copyrighted materials within seven days, as stated in Section 3117, is excessively punitive. The $1,000 daily penalty for non-compliance could disproportionately impact smaller developers and startups, hindering their competitiveness. Additionally, the exemption clause in Section 3119, which applies only to developers who make all training data publicly available at no cost, discourages proprietary data use and innovation. This could force developers to choose between compliance and protecting their intellectual property, ultimately stifling creativity and progress. In conclusion, AB-412 introduces regulatory requirements that could hinder the development and deployment of generative AI technologies. I urge you to reconsider the bill's approach and its potential negative consequences on innovation and economic growth. Thank you for considering my perspective. Sincerely,