Newsom signs executive order to speed up AI regulations and creation of ‘kill switch’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces new AI partnerships at the Google office in San Francisco in August 2025. On Friday, Newsom signed an executive order to speed up implementation of new AI regulations.
TL;DR
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to enhance AI regulation and oversight.
- The order establishes a working group to create a playbook for strengthening AI regulation, potentially including an emergency 'kill switch'.
- It also speeds up the implementation timeline for two recently signed bills on independent AI oversight and audits.
- Newsom criticized federal inaction on AI regulation, stating California is building the nation's strongest AI regulatory framework.
- The working group is tasked with producing a report with findings and policy recommendations within two months.
- Recent events, including AI-related security incidents and warnings about AI's existential risks, have heightened concerns.
- The governor also recently signed bills to protect children online, including measures for AI chatbots and social media feed access.