California governor proposes AI safety measures including kill switch

California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to establish a task force of experts, aiming to enhance AI safety regulations within the state. The initiative, announced on September 18, 2026, seeks to mandate AI companies to implement independent verification groups for regular audits, subject their transparency reports and risk assessments to independent auditors, and potentially introduce a 'kill switch' for advanced AI models. The task force is expected to deliver its recommendations within two months. Newsom's directive underscores California's intent to lead in AI oversight, focusing on measures to ensure safety and accountability in the development and deployment of AI technologies. The order reflects a broader effort to address the risks associated with frontier AI models, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks. The full details of the executive order and the task force's recommendations are set to be released in the coming weeks.