Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) issued an executive order to strengthen regulations of artificial intelligence companies operating in the state, ensuring that they meet state standards to prevent misuse.
According to the order, California is the “global epicenter of artificial intelligence (‘AI’) innovation, home to 33 of the 50 top artificial intelligence companies, leading academic and research institutions including five of the world’s top fifteen artificial intelligence higher education programs, and a vibrant ecosystem that drives economic growth and scientific advancement.” It directs companies to integrate their AI into state operations responsibly, preventing the distribution of illegal content, the use of biased models, and the violation of civil rights.
“California’s always been the birthplace of innovation. But we also understand the flip side: in the wrong hands, innovation can be misused in ways that put people at risk,” Newsom said in a statement. “California leads in AI, and we’re going to use every tool we have to ensure companies protect people’s rights, not exploit them or put them in harm’s way. While others in Washington are designing policy and creating contracts in the shadow of misuse, we’re focused on doing this the right way.”
The order stands in contrast to measures taken by the Trump administration, which has bolstered the use of AI. The White House recently released a framework for national AI standards, pushing the country toward innovation. According to the framework, the national standard “should respect key principles of federalism.” It will not preempt the “traditional police powers retained by the states to enforce laws of general applicability against AI developers and users, including particular laws to protect children, prevent fraud, and protect consumers.”
The framework adds that individual states “should not be permitted to regulate AI development, because it is an inherently interstate phenomenon with key foreign policy and national security implications.”
