News Wrap: Newsom signs order for AI safety in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at speeding up safety measures for artificial intelligence (AI). The order includes exploring the feasibility of a "kill switch" for advanced AI models, which would allow for the system to be halted in case of malfunction. According to PBS NewsHour, this move comes as President Trump has announced participation of all 50 states in a new Medicaid drug pricing program, though no direct link between the two was specified.

The executive order directs state agencies to report on the feasibility of a "kill switch" by November 16, as reported by Le Monde English. It also tasks a working group with delivering recommendations within two months on strengthening state AI safety laws, as noted by Quartz. Newsom stated that the federal government's lack of action on AI oversight should alarm Americans, especially when AI CEOs themselves are calling for regulation.

Newsom's move is seen as a bid to take the lead on AI regulation, with Axios noting that Democrats with national profiles are seizing on AI alarm. The governor's actions come amid a stalemate in Washington, with some 600 bills on AI pending in 47 states, according to Axios. California, Illinois, and Massachusetts are among the states leading the charge on AI regulation, all run by Democrats.

Brief written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour, Axios, Quartz, The Korea Times, Le Monde English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.