Newsom wants to shape AI’s future. Can California lead the way?

Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed an executive order directing state agencies to examine the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence that can generate text, images and other content. “California has long been a trendsetter, and the governor’s executive order is continuing that tradition on AI,” West said. “If one large state makes a major movement it’s going to force the tech companies to come along, whether they want to or not.” Child safety groups such as the nonprofit Common Sense Media say that they see the executive order as a first step but that lawmakers will need to pass legislation to combat AI’s risks, including child sexual abuse imagery. He told Bloomberg he thought there was a “Pandora’s box” being opened with generative AI and the state wants “it done in a safe way.” Peter Leroe-Muñoz, general counsel and senior vice president for technology and innovation at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said he was pleased that the governor’s office has been engaging with tech companies and other interested parties. “This executive order really shows that the governor is placing California in the driver’s seat as we road map AI’s future in America,” he said.