California Governor Signs AI Regulation Order, Calls for Kill Switch and Third-Party Audits

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to strengthen AI regulation and safety measures. Under the order, California will gather AI experts to meet and propose plans within two months to improve AI safety and protection laws.

The order asks the expert group to study creating an AI kill switch that can immediately shut down systems if major problems occur. The group will also study stricter laws requiring independent third parties to create full safety plans for AI companies and conduct on-site safety audits.

Newsom criticized the federal government for long ignoring AI issues, saying California must act on its own. He said the federal government has failed to establish any meaningful AI regulation or accountability, and even AI company CEOs are asking for government oversight. Newsom also raised the possibility of calling a special state legislature session on AI.