Newsom signs California AI laws targeting workplace use, deepfakes - KRCR

Newsom signs California AI laws targeting workplace use, deepfakes

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 13 bills Wednesday aimed at setting rules for artificial intelligence in California workplaces, health care, online content and genetic research.

The new laws require human review of AI-based firing or discipline decisions, require notices when AI causes mass layoffs, limit workplace surveillance and set protections against AI deepfakes and fraud. Newsom also signed an executive order declaring the technology will be called “Artificial Intelligence” in California.

"Super intelligence is clearly not coming from the White House – that’s why California continues to lead," Newsom said. "AI should expand opportunity – not come at the expense of workers and families. As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center, ensuring we all have a voice in the decisions shaping their future."

The laws also allow doctors to use their own judgment when AI tools are involved in patient care, require some AI tools to address potential bias and strengthen rules meant to help people identify AI-generated material.

One bill prohibits employers from relying only on AI to discipline or fire workers. Another requires employers to disclose whether AI caused a mass layoff, relocation or job loss.

“Workers across California have demanded that our state lead the way in regulating AI in our workplaces. And today, we see that begin to happen,” California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO President Lorena Gonzalez said. “By signing these four first-in-the-nation bills, Governor Newsom has shown the country how we can begin to put guardrails on AI at work to ensure human oversight over this technology, limit surveillance, and put workers first. We must continue to push for regulations to ensure we control this no technology, not be controlled by it.”

The measures also target false AI-made images and videos, including explicit content created without a person’s consent. Another law requires gene synthesis companies to check customers and the genetic materials they send for research involving diseases such as polio and Ebola.

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