Gavin Newsom issues executive order to regulate artificial intelligence models

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order demanding independent verification of artificial intelligence models. Al Jazeera reported that the order establishes an expert committee tasked with creating kill switches for artificial intelligence agents that could go rogue and cause harm. The announcement was made in San Francisco during the final months of his gubernatorial term. [1]

The new directive expands safety measures that Newsom previously rejected. According to Al Jazeera, Newsom vetoed a state assembly bill in 2024 that contained similar requirements. At the time of the veto, Newsom stated that such regulations would amount to thwarting the promise of the technology. [1]

Newsom is an American politician and businessman who has served as the 40th governor of California since 2019. Before his governorship, he served as the lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as the mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. [3]

The decision to regulate artificial intelligence comes as Newsom prepares for a potential 2028 United States presidential run. Al Jazeera reported that Newsom is seeking to expand the definition of technology safety ahead of his presidential campaign. [1]