California Governor Proposes AI Kill Switch

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on September 18 directing state officials to explore the feasibility of a mandatory emergency shutdown mechanism for frontier AI models. The order requires state agencies to convene experts and submit recommendations regarding these safety measures within a two-month timeframe.

The directive also accelerates the implementation of existing state laws that establish independent verification organizations and a registry for AI auditors. The expert panel must report its findings by November 16.