From The Verge · Lauren Feiner · · 1m 20s
California's AI kill switch plan
Governor Newsom is pushing for mandatory safety controls on AI systems as Congress stalls on regulation.
In brief
Governor Newsom is pushing for mandatory safety controls on AI systems as Congress stalls on regulation. California is positioning itself as a leader on AI safety by proposing independent audits, transparency requirements, and kill switches for AI models while federal action remains unlikely. Originally reported by…
Newsom orders AI safety review
California's governor issued an executive order Friday directing state experts to recommend how to strengthen AI safety measures within two months.
Kill switch and audits required
The order asks experts to consider requiring AI companies to embed independent auditors onsite, create verifiable kill switches, and report loss-of-control incidents as critical safety events.
Congress unlikely to act soon
With the House on recess until November and midterm elections approaching, meaningful federal AI legislation faces little chance of passing before 2026.
Trump dismisses AI guardrails
President Trump has stated that AI only needs a strong president as oversight, dismissing the need for regulatory guardrails on the technology.
“The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART PRESIDENT”
California as federal model
Newsom is positioning California's framework as a template for national AI policy, calling on Congress and Trump to adopt or exceed the state's standards.
“The federal government's abject failure to create any form of meaningful AI oversight or accountability should alarm every American”
Special session possible
Newsom has floated calling a special legislative session on AI alongside further executive action, signaling California's commitment to rapid AI oversight implementation.
The main idea
California is positioning itself as a leader on AI safety by proposing independent audits, transparency requirements, and kill switches for AI models while federal action remains unlikely.
