California Governor Gavin Newsom decided to veto a bill that sought to rein in artificial intelligence, apparently because he thought it was too “strict” to make the big Silicon Valley companies take responsibility. Although lawmakers enthusiastically approved the measure, Newsom thought it best not to upset the tech giants; you know, lest they take offense and decide to take their innovation (and their millions) elsewhere.

The project included such a radical idea as forcing companies to install a “kill switch” to stop their AI systems if they got out of control, because, sure, what could go wrong with AI run amok, right? But no, for Newsom that was too much.

Scott Wiener, the senator who pushed the bill, wasn't quiet and claimed that letting companies self-regulate is like asking the fox to guard the henhouse. On the other hand, Silicon Valley did what it does best: push hard so that nothing stands in their way, because of course, who wants innovation with responsibility?

Meanwhile, other states like Colorado and Utah are already trying to do something to regulate AI. But California, home to the world's biggest tech companies, decided it's best not to spoil the party. Newsom did sign minor laws, such as the one to control deepfakes in elections. A hero of digital democracy!