California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order aimed at strengthening AI safety measures, including the potential for an AI ‘kill switch.’ The order seeks to convene experts to deliver recommendations within two months, with the consideration of requiring independent verification groups for regular audits, making transparency reports and risk assessments subject to independent auditors, and implementing a routine-verified ‘kill switch.’

Newsom’s move comes in the wake of Jacob Coxon, a former Anthropic researcher, warning of the potential for AI to ‘kill all humans’ within a decade. However, with Congress unlikely to act before the midterms, California is positioning itself as a leader in AI oversight.

‘The federal government’s abject failure to create any form of meaningful AI oversight or accountability should alarm every American,’ said Newsom. ‘We’re not waiting to act – we’re going to speed up our work on substantial and responsible AI oversight before it’s too late.’

Newsom is calling on Congress and former President Donald Trump to review and adopt California’s framework. ‘The only control or “guardrails” that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!’ quipped Trump, despite his insistence that federal action is unnecessary.

California’s move is seen as a model for federal action. Newsom hopes that states like California can push for robust AI regulation, with the potential for federal adoption. However, with the House on recess and Senate elections looming, federal action remains uncertain.