California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Wednesday to shield workers from artificial intelligence's potential threats, including job displacement and workplace surveillance. The new laws prohibit employers from using AI to predict employees' emotional states via biometric data and mandate written notices for AI-driven mass layoffs, while also banning AI-based firing decisions. Newsom also issued an executive order to ensure state agencies consistently refer to the technology as "artificial intelligence."
The new laws in California represent a significant state-level effort to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, potentially setting a precedent for other states and influencing broader national policy discussions on AI's impact on employment and worker rights.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of laws Wednesday aimed at protecting workers from the potential negative impacts of artificial intelligence, including job losses and workplace surveillance. The new legislation prohibits employers from using AI to predict an employee's emotional state based on their biometric data. It also mandates that employers provide written notice to workers if AI is responsible for mass layoffs and bans the use of AI in decisions to terminate employment.
In addition to the worker protection laws, Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to consistently use the term "artificial intelligence" rather than "super intelligence," a term recently advocated by Donald Trump for use by US diplomats. Newsom stated that AI should expand opportunities and not come at the expense of workers and families, emphasizing California's commitment to prioritizing people as the technology reshapes the workplace.
Newsom also criticized Trump's administration for not enacting comprehensive federal AI regulations, especially as industry leaders express concerns about the technology's risks. He contrasted this with Trump's recent statement that tech leaders had agreed to a voluntary accord for self-policing AI development. Earlier this month, Newsom signed a law requiring AI chatbot operators to conduct risk assessments before deployment and an executive order to enhance state oversight of the AI industry.
The governor indicated that California might need to recall lawmakers for a special session to further address AI issues, citing a lack of federal leadership. These actions occurred on Newsom's final day to sign or veto bills before his term ends in January. He also signed a bill establishing a tax credit program to support local news organizations.
Newsom also touched upon political matters, including the upcoming midterm elections and his stance on a proposed tax increase on billionaires. He stated he would not run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris decided to enter the race, and he expressed disagreement with the billionaire tax proposal despite respecting its supporters' commitment to addressing income inequality.
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