AI likely to see tougher regulations because of Elon Musk's proximity to Trump, fear experts

Given Elon Musk’s proximity to President-elect Donald Trump, and his position as one of the men leading DOGE or the Department of Government Efficiency in the incoming Trump administration, experts believe that the US government’s policies for AI could push for stricter safety standards for artificial intelligence (AI), something that most AI companies will not be happy about.

With Musk expected to have significant sway over Trump, experts are also concerned that the policy for regulating AI and other key technologies may be swayed by what Elon Musk thinks would be best for him and his businesses, as he deems fit.

However, that may not be a cause for alarm. Max Tegmark, an AI scientist from MIT who has worked with Musk on AI safety, told the Guardian how Musk’s commitment to regulating AI is steadfast. Tegmark highlighted Musk’s recent support for California’s SB 1047 bill, which aimed to require companies to stress-test AI models before launching them.

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Despite facing fierce opposition from other tech leaders, Musk stood in favour of the bill. Although Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed the legislation, citing fears it would stifle innovation and drive AI companies out of the state, Musk’s stance was a clear signal of his willingness to push for regulation.

Musk’s concerns about the unchecked development of AI are well-known. He has repeatedly warned about the dangers of artificial general intelligence (AGI), where AI systems could surpass human intelligence.

Last year, Musk joined over 30,000 others in signing a letter urging a pause on developing powerful AI technologies, fearing catastrophic consequences for humanity.

Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Tegmark expressed hope that Musk’s influence might lead Trump to adopt critical safety measures for AI. He suggested Musk could convince Trump that developing AGI recklessly would be a “suicide race,” potentially leading to necessary regulatory actions.

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Musk’s influence has only grown in recent years, with his fortune significantly boosted following Trump’s recent electoral victory. His financial and social clout, along with his leadership roles at Tesla and SpaceX, could make him a key player in shaping AI policy.

While some tech leaders argue that strict regulations could hinder innovation, Musk’s advocacy stands out. His early support for AI safety initiatives, including Tegmark’s Future of Life Institute, reflects a consistent commitment to ensuring the responsible development of advanced technologies.

As Musk’s relationship with Trump evolves, the tech industry remains on edge, anticipating potential regulations that could significantly change how AI develops. For now, the debate continues over whether Musk’s influence will lead to meaningful safety standards or whether it will clash with tech leaders’ fears of stifling progress.