California is moving aggressively to regulate artificial intelligence, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing a new executive order that forces AI companies to meet stricter standards if they want to do business with the state. The order requires companies to prove they have safeguards in place against misuse, including harmful bias, illegal content, and violations of civil rights.

The rules go beyond basic oversight. State agencies are now directed to develop new certification standards and could block or suspend contracts with companies that fail to meet safety requirements. The order also pushes for more transparency, accountability, and reporting of major AI-related incidents, while expanding the state’s own use of AI tools in government services.

Your Turn:
Do you trust states to regulate AI properly, or should this be handled at the federal level?

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/30/technology/california-ai-executive-order.html