California's AI Kill Switch Plan Targets OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order directing a working group to recommend strict AI safety regulations, including a mandatory "kill switch" for frontier models, within two months. The proposed measures would require AI developers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind to implement verified emergency shutoff mechanisms, host on-site verification teams, and expand incident definitions to cover cyber threats and loss-of-control events. The order responds to federal inaction on AI governance, positioning California as the default regulatory authority. Safety advocates support the initiative, while tech industry figures warn that rigid mandates could slow innovation. The working group will present formal recommendations within 60 days.