California Governor signs order to explore AI 'kill switch'
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to investigate the feasibility of a mandatory 'kill switch' for advanced AI models. The move highlights a growing divide between state-level regulatory efforts and federal inaction.
Why it matters
This initiative marks a significant step in the debate over AI safety and the extent to which state governments can regulate emerging global technologies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday directing state officials to explore the feasibility of imposing a mandatory "kill switch" for the most advanced AI models.
Mr. Newsom, widely seen as a possible Democratic presidential contender in 2028, said he was making the move because U.S. President Donald Trump was doing nothing on the issue.
The Republican president this week dismissed fears over AI as a hoax and is urging American AI companies to keep advancing in order to stay ahead of China in developing the novel technology.
California is home to Silicon Valley and the AI firms at the forefront of the sector.
"The federal government's abject failure to create any form of meaningful AI oversight or accountability should alarm every American, especially when AI CEOs themselves are begging for regulation," Mr. Newsom said in a statement.
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