OpenAI has backed a California bill that would require technology companies to label AI-generated content, according to a letter from OpenAI's chief strategy officer seen by Reuters, which is due for a final vote in August.
AB 3211 requires watermarking the metadata of AI-generated photos, videos, and audio clips. Many AI companies already do this, but most people don't read metadata. AB 3211 also requires large online platforms like Instagram and X to label AI-generated content in a way that the average viewer can understand.
In a letter to California lawmakers in April, industry groups representing Microsoft, OpenAI's largest investor, and other software makers opposed AB 3211, calling the bill “unworkable” and “overly burdensome.”
The endorsement comes a week after OpenAI opposed another more widely criticized California AI bill, SB 1047. However, OpenAI has supported several federal bills to regulate AI companies.
