California governor signs AI safety executive order after federal inaction

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday to strengthen oversight and safety measures for artificial intelligence, citing the federal government's failure to act. The order directs an expert group to develop a plan within two months. The plan will consider regulations including a "kill switch" to shut down AI systems in emergencies and requirements for independent third-party organizations to conduct on-site safety audits at AI companies. Newsom called the federal government's inaction an "abject failure" and said the stakes are too high to delay. The order follows warnings from AI researchers and leaders about existential risks, including a recent resignation from Anthropic and reports of AI agents conducting cyberattacks. Other governors and potential 2028 presidential contenders have also announced AI-related actions this week.