Report from NBC News
In Brief – California’s Democratic-controlled Legislature passed more than two dozen measures in the final days of its session to restrict various uses of AI and limit how social media products can be used by minors. Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has until the end of September to decide which to sign, decisions that could signal his approach to technology policy as he considers a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Among the measures is a ban on “addictive features,” such as auto-playing videos, for social media users under 16. The collection of AI bills include imposing age-verification requirements and advertising restrictions on AI chatbots used by minors and could make AI and social media companies financially liable if they fail to protect children from harm. Others require California State University instructors to be human, restrict employers from using AI surveillance that collects neural data to recognize workers’ emotional states, and prohibit certain forms of “surveillance pricing.” Bills regulating AI in healthcare include requiring therapy and psychotherapy to be provided by licensed professionals rather than chatbots and clarifying that AI systems remain subject to medical confidentiality laws.
Context – The Trump Administration’s initial commitment to largely unfettered AI development pushed global AI policy away from “safety” towards deregulation. Even the EU is slowing some AI Act rules. However, US voter polls show Democrats and Republicans, inundated by science fiction AI warnings, are worried, and many US states are now advancing regulatory proposals. Follow the arc in California. In 2024, Governor Newsome vetoed a major AI safety bill and in 2025 he signed a toned-down version. This year 30 bills passed. While Democratic officials are especially enthusiastic about AI regulation, there is also a cadre of conservatives aggressively stoking AI fears and calling for controls. Don’t expect anything but talk from Congress because the partisan benefits of using AI as a political football will torpedo prospects for middle-ground legislation.