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The California Legislature has approved Sen. Jerry McNerney’s SB 7, a “Robo Boss-Free Act,” which requires human surveillance of artificial intelligence systems in the workplace to prevent abuse.
SB 7 prohibits California employers from disciplining or dismissing workers without human supervision, primarily relying on AI systems known as the Automated Decision-Making System (ADS).
“Companies use AI to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace, but there are no safeguards to prevent machines from unfairly or illegally affecting workers’ livelihoods,” Sen. McNerney said. “SB 7 does not ban advertising in the workplace. Rather, it establishes a common-sense guardrail to prevent California workers from being fired or disciplined by Robo bosses without human supervision.”
SB 7 won approval in the state Senate today with a 28-9 vote after Congress passed the bill on Thursday evening with a 45-17 vote. SB 7, sponsored by the California Union Federation, AFL-CIO, and SB 7, goes to the governor’s desk for consideration. If signed, the Robots-free law would be the first such law in the country.
“Boss need a soul. Common sense guardrails are needed to ensure human surveillance of the algorithm when workers are disciplined or fired. While Robobos cannot be allowed to not be checked, workers are treated like incidental damage to new technology in the workplace. “Today, with the passage of Senate Bill 7, California can be at the forefront of enacting protections for all of California against the new threat of unregulated Robobos. Many times, we have proven that California can guide innovation and workers’ rights.”
Employers around the world are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence-powered advertising to research, manage and replace workers in the name of maximizing productivity and reducing costs. Recent estimates show that there are over 550 so-called “bossware” products available to employers to help manage their workplaces. However, there are examples of ads that make nasty errors, such as people being accidentally fired from their jobs.
SB 7 establishes the necessary protection measures for AI in the workplace.
Human surveillance of the advertising systems used in disciplinary and shooting decisions is required. Ensures that employers provide advance notice to workers about the use of advertising to make employment-related decisions. If that decision is made primarily through advertising, make sure that the employer is notified of disciplinary or terminated workers.
SB 7 is executed by the state Secretary of Labor, the Attorney General or local prosecutor.
In Congress, McNerney co-founded and co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Caucus and wrote the AI In Government Act.
Sen. Jerry McNerney is chairman of the Senate Wages and Implementations and Tax Committee, and his 5th Senate District includes all of the Tori Valley in San Joaquin and Alameda counties.
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