Stories
California Governor Signs Laws to Protect Workers from AI Risks
- •California Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws aimed at protecting workers from potential job losses and workplace surveillance due to artificial intelligence.
- •Newsom issued an executive order requiring state agencies to use the term ‘artificial intelligence’ instead of ‘super intelligence,’ a term President Trump reportedly ordered US diplomats to use.
- •The governor criticized the lack of comprehensive federal AI regulations, contrasting it with industry leaders' warnings about AI risks.
- •Newsom previously signed a law requiring AI chatbot operators to perform risk assessments and an executive order for state consultation with experts on AI oversight.
- •He emphasized the need for state action in the absence of federal leadership on AI, leaving open the possibility of a special legislative session.
Key Questions Answered
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws designed to protect workers from the threats of artificial intelligence, including potential job losses and workplace surveillance. Additionally, he signed an executive order requiring state agencies to continue referring to the technology as "artificial intelligence" instead of "super intelligence".
Governor Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump for failing to pass comprehensive federal AI regulations at a time when industry leaders are warning about the technology's risks. He noted that California must do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership.
California enacted restrictions barring children under 16 from behaviorally addictive features on social media, banned toys containing AI companion chatbots for four years, and required chatbot safety and risk assessments. These measures also mandate parental controls on chatbot programs.
