Arts and EntertainmentPolicy

California AI Regulations: Newsom Signs Chatbot Safety Laws, Vetoes Tech Bills

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed multiple AI safety bills into law, including requirements for chatbot self-harm prevention and social media warning labels. The governor also vetoed several controversial tech regulations amid industry pressure.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken significant steps to regulate the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence industry, signing into law a package of bills designed to protect children and young users from potential AI-related harms. The new legislation represents one of the most comprehensive state-level attempts to address emerging AI risks while balancing innovation concerns.

Landmark Chatbot Safety Legislation

EducationGovernmentPolicy

Trump Administration Funding Demands Put Billions at Stake for US Colleges

The Trump administration’s ultimatum to colleges threatens billions in federal funding unless institutions adopt controversial policy changes. From MIT’s outright rejection to Princeton’s condemnation, campuses are grappling with academic freedom implications while California’s governor threatens countermeasures against complying schools.

The White House has ignited a firestorm across American higher education with unprecedented funding demands that place billions of dollars at stake for both public and private institutions. The administration of Donald Trump has presented universities with what many are calling an ultimatum: adopt specific policy changes or risk losing critical federal funding that supports everything from research initiatives to student financial aid programs.

Academic Freedom Concerns Mount

Assistive TechnologyRegulation

California’s New Law Solves Loud Commercial Problem in Streaming Services

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation prohibiting streaming services from broadcasting commercials at higher volumes than accompanying content. The law, sparked by a baby’s disrupted sleep, takes effect in 2026 and represents a major victory for consumer audio comfort.

California has enacted groundbreaking legislation that directly addresses one of television and streaming viewers’ most persistent complaints: commercials that blast at significantly higher volumes than regular programming. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 576 into law this week, establishing clear audio standards for advertisements on video streaming platforms serving California residents.

What the New Commercial Volume Law Requires