California Governor Gavin Newsom signs laws to protect workers from AI risks

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws Wednesday aimed at protecting workers from the threats of artificial intelligence, including potential job losses and workplace surveillance.

The laws ban employers from using the technology to predict a worker’s emotional state by using their biometric data, require employers to send written notices to workers if AI is responsible for mass layoffs and ban employers from relying on AI to decide to fire someone.

The Democratic governor also signed an executive order to require state agencies to continue to refer to the technology as “artificial intelligence” instead of the term “ super intelligence ” President Donald Trump recently ordered US diplomats to use.

“AI should expand opportunity — not come at the expense of workers and families,” Newsom said in a statement.

“As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center.”

He sharply criticised Trump at an hourlong event with reporters Wednesday for not passing comprehensive federal AI regulations at a time when industry leaders are warning about the technology’s risks.

Trump said Tuesday that top tech leaders signed a voluntary accord to “self-police” AI development.

The governor signed a law this month requiring operators of AI chatbots to perform risk assessments before rolling them out and an executive order requiring the state to consult with experts to further improve oversight over the industry.

“We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership,” Newsom said, leaving the door open for the possibility of calling lawmakers back for a special session to further tackle the issue.

The news conference came on Newsom’s last day to sign or veto bills before he terms out in January.

He started the event by signing a law creating a tax credit program aimed at helping local news organisations — including newspapers, digital outlets and TV stations — hire and retain journalists. Newsom criticized what he called Trump’s assault on a free press, pointing to the president’s barring of news organisations from the White House.

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