NEWSOM SIGNS CALIFORNIA LAWS LIMITING AI USE AGAINST WORKERS

Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws in California restricting how employers can use artificial intelligence against workers. The legislation bans companies from relying solely on AI for disciplinary or termination decisions, and requires written notice when AI causes mass layoffs, relocation or dismissals. It also stops employers predicting a worker's emotional state from biometric data, and bars AI surveillance tools in workplace bathrooms. A measure stops lawyers handing core legal work, such as drafting briefs, entirely to AI. Newsom said the laws give workers some of the first rights over AI use in the US.

"AI should expand opportunity, not come at the expense of workers and families," Newsom said, adding that California was "putting people at the centre" as AI reshapes workplaces. He signed an executive order requiring state agencies to keep calling the technology "artificial intelligence" rather than "super intelligence", after Donald Trump reportedly ordered US diplomats to use the latter term. Newsom criticised the Trump administration's view that the AI industry can regulate itself, saying "we have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership." One report said the laws follow complaints that Meta used AI tools which "disproportionately selected" staff on medical leave for lay-offs.

Newsom signed the package on his final day to approve or veto legislation before his term ends in January. He also signed a law that day aiding local news organisations, and criticised Trump over barring news organisations from the White House. Earlier in the month he signed a law requiring AI chatbot operators to carry out risk assessments before launch. Newsom said he was leaving open the possibility of calling a special legislative session to address AI further.