Elon Musk's AI company to testify at NYC Council hearing on artificial intelligence safety and regulations

MANHATTAN (WABC) -- New York City lawmakers are set to press representatives from Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company on Friday as the City Council continues its scrutiny of the rapidly expanding AI industry.

Officials say SpaceXAI agreed to testify before the Council's Committee on Technology after the Council issued what leaders described as its first-ever subpoena to a private entity.

The hearing follows a Committee of the Whole session held last week, where lawmakers heard testimony from major technology companies, including OpenAI, Gemini, Anthropic and Meta, as they examined the potential risks and benefits of artificial intelligence.

Council members are now weighing a series of proposals aimed at placing new guardrails on AI technology. Among them is legislation that would prohibit the unauthorized use of generative AI to create depictions of public officials.

Friday's hearing is expected to focus on the risks posed by advancing AI systems and what safeguards may be needed to protect New Yorkers as the technology becomes more widespread.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall in Manhattan.

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