2 hrs ago
California Governor Orders New Effort to Strengthen AI Safety Rules
California’s governor wants to make artificial intelligence safer.
He signed an order telling state officials to study stronger safety rules.
Officials will ask experts for advice.
One idea is to have independent groups check the work of major AI laboratories.
Another idea is to require powerful AI systems to have a switch that can shut them down.
The state has not said that these ideas are already law.
Instead, it will explore possible changes to existing rules.
Newsom said the state wants to act carefully but quickly.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order focused on strengthening California’s artificial intelligence safety rules.
The order requires the state to consult experts about possible changes to existing AI safety laws.
One proposal would place independent organization representatives inside leading AI laboratories to verify safety.
Another proposal would require advanced AI models to include an automatic “kill switch.”
Newsom said California would pursue responsible oversight with urgency because the stakes are high.
- Who
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state officials.
- What
- Newsom issued an executive order directing the state to explore stronger artificial intelligence safety rules.
- Where
- California.
- When
- Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
- Why
- The order responds to concerns about AI safety and seeks responsible oversight before risks increase.
Key facts
- Official
- Gavin Newsom, governor of California
- Action
- Signed an executive order on AI safety
- Required process
- Consultation with experts on possible changes to state AI safety laws
- Possible measure
- Independent organization representatives embedded in leading AI laboratories
- Possible measure
- An automatic “kill switch” for the most advanced AI models
- Stated urgency
- Newsom said the state would accelerate oversight because the stakes are too high to delay
Quotes
Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
“We’re not waiting to act — we’re going to speed up our work on substantial and responsible AI oversight before it’s too late. We’re going to do this thoughtfully but with urgent velocity; the stakes are too high to wait or delay action.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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