California Governor Issues Executive Order to Accelerate State AI Oversight
Governor Gavin Newsom signed an order directing experts to draft AI safety guidelines for California within two months, citing federal inaction and proposing measures such as third-party audits and emergency shutdown capabilities.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Friday that tasks a panel of experts with producing a set of AI safety and security guidelines for California within 60 days. The order aims to strengthen the state’s existing regulatory framework, potentially requiring independent third parties to create safety plans for advanced AI developers and mandating emergency shutdown mechanisms for high-risk models.
Newsom said the federal government has not provided meaningful oversight of artificial intelligence, and that state officials will move forward with “substantial and responsible AI oversight” without waiting for federal action. > "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," Newsom said in a statement.
The governor highlighted recent state legislation that establishes a framework for third-party AI auditors, describing California’s approach as a national model. Other Democratic officials, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senators Mark Kelly and Cory Booker, have also called for stricter AI regulations and oversight at the federal level.
The order comes amid growing concern in Washington after a former Anthropic researcher warned of existential risks from AI, though congressional action appears unlikely before the 2026 midterm elections. Newsom, whose term ends in January 2025, has not announced a presidential bid but indicated he is considering the possibility.