A coalition of advocacy groups is urging OpenAI to withdraw a California ballot initiative focused on AI safety for children. The groups argue the proposed “Parents & Kids Safe AI Act,” backed by OpenAI and Common Sense Media, would limit legal accountability and weaken protections. Critics say it defines harm too narrowly and restricts families’ ability to sue, while OpenAI retains control of the initiative and its $10 million campaign fund.
A coalition of advocacy groups has asked OpenAI to withdraw a California AI safety ballot initiative. In a letter sent on Wednesday, the group argues the measure would limit families’ ability to sue and restrict the state’s ability to strengthen future AI laws.
The letter was signed by more than two dozen organizations including Encode AI, the Center for Humane Technology, and the Electronic Privacy Information Center. “The main demand here is for OpenAI to withdraw from the ballot,” said Adam Billen, co-executive director of Encode AI.
The dispute centers on the proposed “Parents & Kids Safe AI Act.” Critics contend its rules fall short and its definition of “severe harm” excludes a range of mental health impacts.
The letter highlights provisions that would bar parents and children from bringing claims under the initiative. It also warns the measure could be difficult to revise if passed, requiring a two-thirds legislative vote for amendments.
Billen stated that OpenAI controls the ballot initiative and has not withdrawn it. “They have $10 million in the committee, and then you say to the legislature, if you don’t do what we want, we’ll put the money in and get the signatures and put this on the ballot,” he explained.
The coalition is focused on getting OpenAI to withdraw the measure and allow lawmakers to legislate. “It’s really important…for the companies that are putting that technology out there, to not be the ones who are writing the rules that regulate them,” Billen said.
OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has paused its campaign to qualify the initiative for the ballot but retains control of it.
