California governor orders study of AI 'kill switch' feasibility
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday directing state officials to study the feasibility of a mandatory "kill switch" for advanced AI models, citing a lack of federal oversight. The move comes amid warnings from industry insiders about existential risks posed by the technology. Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, criticized President Donald Trump's dismissal of AI fears as a hoax and his push for rapid advancement against China. The order, which does not impose a switch, directs state agencies to report by Nov 16 on feasibility, independent auditor requirements, and mandatory reporting of loss-of-control incidents. The action follows recent alarms from former AI researchers and executives, including Anthropic's Dario Amodei and OpenAI's Sam Altman, about the technology's dangers. It coincides with growing state-level AI regulation efforts, such as Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's executive order on data center accountability and an AI task force.