The Clock is Ticking: My Urgent Calls with the French Government Over AI Legislation
Time is of the essence, and I found myself in a race against the clock today as I tried to connect with the French government about California’s SB 1047—a pivotal AI legislation that could impact not only the U.S. but the world. With less than 24 hours left before Governor Gavin Newsom decides whether to sign or veto the bill, it became increasingly clear that the stakes were high. Yet, as I made my way through a series of conversations with French officials, I was reminded just how, well, very French the interactions were.
My calls, intended to ensure the French government was aware of the urgent AI legislation, were met with a combination of bureaucratic politeness, mild indifference, and a certain level of je ne sais quoi—that familiar air of French aloofness. The frustrating part was, the matter at hand couldn’t be more critical. This legislation would regulate AI models valued over $100 million, ensuring their oversight so that unchecked AI growth doesn’t spiral out of control. A potential veto would open the door to unregulated AI, with catastrophic consequences globally—yet the urgency seemed lost in translation.
Technical Missteps and International Dialing Woes
It started with something as simple as trying to dial a French number from the U.S. The process felt symbolic of the larger challenges I would face: communication breakdowns. After several failed attempts at connecting, I finally got through to the right department. Or so I thought. What followed was a series of interactions that could only be described as classic French bureaucracy.
In my conversation with a representative from the Elysée Palace, I explained the critical nature of the AI legislation. I sent my correspondence through the official channels, hoping President Macron would be alerted in time to potentially influence the decision. But instead, I was met with a calm reminder that they had not yet received my email. Despite having a receipt of confirmation on my side, I was advised to follow up in a few days—days we didn’t have. “Perhaps call again on Monday,” they suggested. But by Monday, the decision would have already been made.
Urgency Met with Indifference
I quickly pivoted to calling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thinking they might grasp the gravity of the situation. Surely, I thought, they would see the global impact of a law that determines the future of AI oversight. After all, what happens in the tech industry in California ripples across the world, affecting economies, job markets, and the way we interact with technology globally.
What I got instead was a shrug. Figuratively, of course, but I could almost hear it through the phone. “It doesn’t concern us,” the agent remarked. I tried to stress how the decision could shape the future of AI and its unchecked growth, but my pleas were met with a firm, “It’s not our department.” A number for the Ministry of Economy was given, and the call abruptly ended.
Facing a Bureaucratic Wall
Frustrated but undeterred, I dialed the Ministry of Economy. Surely, they would understand the economic repercussions of this law, right? But, as luck would have it, I found myself in an endless loop of calls getting disconnected, lines going unanswered, and the occasional terse response. At one point, I was even told, “It’s life, sir. It doesn’t matter.”
That one stung. It wasn’t just a law to be pushed off to the side; it was an urgent, pressing issue that could affect millions, if not billions, of lives. AI, when left unchecked, has the power to reshape society in ways we are only beginning to understand. And here I was, fighting to make that point, while facing dismissals at every turn.
Why This Matters—For All of Us
The indifference I encountered today, while infuriating, is a reminder of why advocacy for ethical AI is so crucial. We cannot afford to let bureaucratic walls stand in the way of necessary action. AI isn’t just a U.S. problem; it’s a global one. If AI grows beyond our control, unchecked by laws like SB 1047, the impact will be felt in every corner of the world.
As I write this, we are down to the final hours. The decision could come as early as tomorrow. I’ve done everything in my power to ensure the French government understands the urgency of this issue. But whether or not it will be enough remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that we need to keep pushing. Whether it’s through governments, advocacy groups, or the public, we must demand that AI be developed ethically and with oversight. We cannot allow this technology to grow without safeguards in place.
I will continue to fight for SB 1047, and I urge you all to make your voices heard. Whether in California, France, or anywhere else in the world, the future of AI impacts us all.
As I sit here reflecting on today’s whirlwind of calls, I can’t help but wonder: Will Emmanuel Macron ever get to read my letter and watch his hypothetical speech at the UN he should have had on addressing SB 1047 on time before it’s too late?
#DemandEthicalAI #SB1047 #GlobalImpact #AI
