Title: California Signs AI Worker-Protection Laws Banning Emotion-Monitoring Biometrics and AI-Only Firings
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws on Wednesday aimed at protecting workers from the threats of artificial intelligence, including potential job losses and workplace surveillance, according to the Associated Press.
The laws ban employers from using AI to predict a worker's emotional state by analysing their biometric data, require employers to send written notices to workers if AI is responsible for mass layoffs, and prohibit employers from relying on AI alone to decide to fire someone. Newsom framed the move as putting people first in the age of AI: "AI should expand opportunity — not come at the expense of workers and families," he said in a statement. "As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center."
Newsom also signed an executive order requiring state agencies to continue referring to the technology as "artificial intelligence" instead of the term "super intelligence" that President Donald Trump recently ordered US diplomats to use. At an hourlong news conference on Wednesday — his last day to sign or veto bills before he terms out in January — Newsom sharply criticised Trump 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 had signed a voluntary accord to "self-police" AI development.
The governor had earlier this month signed a law requiring operators of AI chatbots to perform risk assessments before rolling them out, along with an executive order directing the state to consult experts to further improve oversight of the industry. "We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership," Newsom said, leaving the door open to calling lawmakers back for a special session to tackle the issue further.
Sources: Gulf News (AP) — "California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs laws to protect workers from AI risks" (https://gulfnews.com/world/americas...-to-protect-workers-from-ai-risks-1.500694189)
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws on Wednesday aimed at protecting workers from the threats of artificial intelligence, including potential job losses and workplace surveillance, according to the Associated Press.
The laws ban employers from using AI to predict a worker's emotional state by analysing their biometric data, require employers to send written notices to workers if AI is responsible for mass layoffs, and prohibit employers from relying on AI alone to decide to fire someone. Newsom framed the move as putting people first in the age of AI: "AI should expand opportunity — not come at the expense of workers and families," he said in a statement. "As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center."
Newsom also signed an executive order requiring state agencies to continue referring to the technology as "artificial intelligence" instead of the term "super intelligence" that President Donald Trump recently ordered US diplomats to use. At an hourlong news conference on Wednesday — his last day to sign or veto bills before he terms out in January — Newsom sharply criticised Trump 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 had signed a voluntary accord to "self-police" AI development.
The governor had earlier this month signed a law requiring operators of AI chatbots to perform risk assessments before rolling them out, along with an executive order directing the state to consult experts to further improve oversight of the industry. "We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership," Newsom said, leaving the door open to calling lawmakers back for a special session to tackle the issue further.
Sources: Gulf News (AP) — "California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs laws to protect workers from AI risks" (https://gulfnews.com/world/americas...-to-protect-workers-from-ai-risks-1.500694189)
