---
title: "Newsom signs order for AI safety recommendations"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/newsom-signs-order-for-ai-safety-recommendations"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/newsom-signs-order-for-ai-safety-recommendations"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/newsom-signs-order-for-ai-safety-recommendations.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/newsom-signs-order-for-ai-safety-recommendations"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-18T17:45:41.133Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-18T17:14:48.242Z"
updated: "2026-09-18T17:45:41.133Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-18T17:30:21.923339+00:00"
---

# Newsom signs order for AI safety recommendations

*California governor directs agencies to develop enhanced AI laws, including potential 'kill switch'.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to Newsom's office; two independent outlets cited; no anonymous sourcing.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes quotes, explains why the story matters, and details what happens next.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise a 'kill switch' mandate, but the article details an exploration of the concept.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on September 18, 2026, directing state agencies to develop AI safety recommendations.
- The order establishes a team of experts tasked with creating proposals for enhanced AI safety laws within two months.
- Potential new regulations may include a requirement for independent third parties to write safety plans for frontier AI companies and the development of an AI 'kill switch'.
- Newsom criticised the federal government for a lack of AI oversight.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on September 18, 2026, that directs state agencies to develop recommendations for strengthening artificial intelligence safety laws. The order calls for a team of experts to create these proposals within two months. Potential enhanced laws may include a requirement for independent third parties to write safety plans for frontier AI companies. The order also explores the development of a potential 'kill switch' for AI programs.

Newsom stated that Washington has failed to establish adequate AI oversight. He expressed urgency in developing substantial and responsible AI oversight, saying, "We're not waiting to act, we’re going to speed up our work on substantial and responsible AI oversight before it's too late." The governor's office announced that the new regulations could also mandate that companies develop a mechanism to shut down their models in case of emergency.

## Disagreement on prior actions

Startup Fortune reported that Newsom signed the order two years after vetoing SB 1047, a bill that would have mandated the same thing. The Verge also noted that Newsom had vetoed SB 1047, which required developers to be able to promptly deactivate AI models.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports mention the specific date Newsom signed the executive order, September 18, 2026. None of the right-rated reports mention Newsom's criticism of the federal government for failing to establish AI oversight.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 30 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 53% (16)
- Centre: 34% (10)
- Right: 13% (4)

21 of 51 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-18T17:30:21.923339+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-18T18:00:35.943Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Nine left-rated reports led on Governor Newsom's executive order concerning AI safety. Many highlighted the potential for a 'kill switch' for AI programs. CNBC, which provided a full report, quoted Newsom saying, "The federal government’s abject failure to create any form of meaningful AI oversight or accountability should alarm every American, especially when AI CEOs themselves are begging for regulation." The Journal and Washingtonsun.com also mentioned the 'kill switch' in their headlines. The Wrap stated Newsom was "Not Waiting to Act."

### Centre

- Seven centre-rated reports focused on Newsom's creation of a panel for AI safety regulation. Political Wire and Union-Bulletin.com reported that the panel would come up with safety regulations, including a possible 'kill switch'. KCRA 3 and Kioncentralcoast.com also highlighted the 'kill switch' in their headlines. Patch reported Newsom ordered a 'kill switch' and stricter safety controls, quoting him saying, "The Stakes Are Too High."

### Right

- Four right-rated reports focused on Newsom's executive order and the potential 'kill switch'. Aftenposten's headline stated the governor "Calls for AI Emergency Button." New York Post reported Newsom "seeks ‘kill switch’ for AI in new executive order." Fox Business reported Newsom "advances AI 'kill switch' mandate under new California executive order." Tippinsights reported Newsom "Orders New AI Safety Review."

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 2
- high: 15
- unknown: 21
- veryHigh: 13

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [The Journal](https://thejournal.ie/ai-kill-switch-7166920-Sep2026) — California governor Gavin Newsom signs order to explore AI 'kill switch'
- [washingtonsun.com](https://washingtonsun.com/technology/newsom-orders-california-to-accelerate-ai-oversight-standards) — Newsom Orders California to Accelerate AI Oversight Standards
- [The Verge](https://theverge.com/policy/997516/california-governor-newsom-ai-kill-switch) — Gavin Newsom is pushing for an AI kill switch
- [Aftenposten](https://aftenposten.no/verden/i/Bxalpe/california-guvernoeren-krever-noedknapp-for-ki) — California Governor Calls for AI Emergency Button
- [Startup Fortune](https://startupfortune.com/gavin-newsom-orders-california-to-build-the-ai-kill-switch-he-once-vetoed) — Gavin Newsom Orders California To Build The AI Kill Switch He Once Vetoed
- [IMLebanon](https://imlebanon.org/2026/09/18/usa-ai65432) — California Has Developed the Key to Stopping Artificial Intelligence.
- [La Presse](https://lapresse.ca/affaires/techno/2026-09-18/mesures-de-securite-supplementaires/le-gouverneur-de-la-californie-signe-un-decret-pour-encadrer-les-acteurs-de-l-ia.php) — Additional Security Measures: Governor of California Signs Decree to Supervise AI Actors
- [TownFlex](https://townflex.com/gavin-newsom-signs-executive-order-ca-ai-kill-switch-audits) — California Governor Signs Executive Order to Fast-Track AI Safety Rules
- [Political Wire](https://politicalwire.com/2026/09/18/newsom-creates-panel-on-ai-safety-regulation) — Newsom Creates Panel On AI Safety Regulation
- [rtl.lu](https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/california-governor-signs-order-to-explore-ai-kill-switch-1988699404) — Possible presidential candidate: California governor signs order to explore AI 'kill switch'
- [Nieuws.nl](https://nieuws.nl/economie/gouverneur-californie-onderzoekt-kill-switch-voor-ai) — California Governor Investigates 'Kill Switch' for AI
- [welingelichtekringen.nl](https://welingelichtekringen.nl/economie/gouverneur-californie-onderzoekt-kill-switch-voor-ai) — California Governor Investigates 'Kill Switch' for AI
- [TNW](https://thenextweb.com/news/newsom-ai-kill-switch-order) — Newsom pitches an AI kill switch for California
- [KCRA 3](https://kcra.com/article/gavin-newsom-signs-executive-order-ai-safety-recommendations/73790620) — Gov. Newsom signs executive order for AI safety recommendations that include 'kill switch'
- [El Economista](https://eleconomista.com.mx/tecnologia/gobernador-california-firma-orden-ejecutiva-desarrollar-interruptor-apagado-ia-20260918-834175.html) — California Governor Signs Executive Order to Develop AI "Off Switch" · Global Voices
- [kioncentralcoast.com](https://kioncentralcoast.com/news/2026/09/18/newsom-order-forms-california-ai-panel-to-study-kill-switch-creation-new-safety-regulations) — Newsom order forms California AI panel to study "kill switch" creation, new safety regulations
- [Patch](https://patch.com/california/sacramento/newsom-orders-ai-kill-switch-stricter-safety-controls-ca-stakes-are-too-high) — Newsom Orders AI 'Kill Switch,' Stricter Safety Controls For CA: 'The Stakes Are Too High'
- [union-bulletin.com](https://union-bulletin.com/news/national/california-gov-gavin-newsom-creates-panel-on-ai-safety-regulation-suggests-possible-kill-switch/article_762d0398-5b34-5d56-aa6f-ada64c72f127.html) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom creates panel on AI safety regulation, suggests possible 'kill switch'
- [Nettavisen](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/frykter-katastrofe-krever-nodknapp-for-ki/s/80-95-91353) — Fears Disaster: Demands Emergency Button for AI
- [SpaceMoney](https://spacemoney.com.br/tecnologia/newsom-ordem-executiva-ia-california) — Newsom Signs Executive Order to Regulate IA in California
- [The Wrap](https://thewrap.com/industry-news/tech/california-gavin-newsom-ai-executive-order) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Executive Order to Rein In AI: 'Not Waiting to Act'
- [Los Angeles Weekly Times](https://losangelesweeklytimes.com/california-gov-newsom-issues-executive-order-to-rein-in-ai) — California Gov. Newsom issues executive order to rein in AI
- [The Korea Times](https://koreatimes.co.kr/world/20260919/california-governor-signs-executive-order-to-develop-ai-kill-switch) — California governor signs executive order to develop AI 'kill switch'
- [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/09/18/us-news/gavin-newsom-seeks-kill-switch-for-ai-in-new-executive-order) — Gavin Newsom seeks ‘kill switch’ for AI in new executive order
- [tippinsights](https://tippinsights.com/california-governor-newsom-orders-new-ai-safety-review) — California Governor Newsom Orders New AI Safety Review
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2163639/o-kyvernitis-tis-kalifornia-ypegrapse-diatagma-gia-tin-anaptyxi-diakopti-technitis-noimosynis) — California Governor Signs Executive Order to Develop Artificial Intelligence 'Switch'
- [Bloomberg](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-18/newsom-pitches-ai-kill-switch-extra-oversight-in-california) — Newsom Issues Executive Order on Creation of AI ‘Kill Switch’
- [Fox Business](https://foxbusiness.com/politics/newsom-advances-ai-kill-switch-mandate-under-new-california-executive-order) — Newsom advances AI 'kill switch' mandate under new California executive order
- [Politico](https://politico.com/news/2026/09/18/newsom-california-executive-order-ai-01083826) — California’s Newsom signs executive order to explore new AI rules, consider ‘kill switch’
- [Insider Paper](https://insiderpaper.com/california-governor-newsom-ai-kill-switch) — California governor Newsom signs executive order to develop AI 'kill switch'
- [NDTV Profit](https://ndtvprofit.com/technology/reining-in-silicon-valley-california-mandates-kill-switch-for-all-new-ai-models-12065868) — Reining In Silicon Valley? California Mandates 'Kill Switch' For All New AI Models
- [Portfolio](https://portfolio.hu/global/20260918/egzisztencialis-veszelyre-figyelmeztetnek-az-ai-kutatok-drasztikus-lepesre-szanta-el-magat-a-jol-ismert-politikus-863804) — AI Researchers Warn of Existential Threat: Well-Known Politician Decides to Take Drastic Step
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/8ba960d87ea96bb3) — Newsom Issues Executive Order on Creation of AI 'Kill Switch'
- [bgov.com](https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/newsom-signs-order-requiring-ai-labs-to-develop-kill-switch) — Newsom Signs Order Requiring AI Labs Develop ‘Kill Switch’ (1)
- [DiarioBitcoin](https://diariobitcoin.com/regulacion/california-endurece-la-supervision-de-la-inteligencia-artificial-con-una-nueva-orden-ejecutiva) — California Hardens Artificial Intelligence Supervision with a New Executive Order
- [Cryptocurrency News | Cryptocurrency Prices | Market Cap](https://cryptocurrency.com.tr/gavin-newsom-issues-executive-order-to-accelerate-ai-oversight-and-kill-switch-382535) — Gavin Newsom issues executive order to accelerate AI oversight and kill switch
- [Crypto Briefing](https://cryptobriefing.com/newsom-executive-order-ai-kill-switch) — Gavin Newsom issues executive order tightening AI oversight for state vendors
- [Deadline](https://deadline.com/2026/09/gavin-newsom-ai-executive-order-1237107446) — Gavin Newsom Moves To Lasso AI With Oversight Executive Order
- [Cal Matters](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/ai-rules-newsom-state-directive) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [Palo Alto Online](https://paloaltoonline.com/calmatters/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [Danville San Ramon](https://danvillesanramon.com/calmatters/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [Mountain View Voice](https://mv-voice.com/calmatters/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [Redwood City Pulse](https://rwcpulse.com/calmatters/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [pleasantonweekly.com](https://pleasantonweekly.com/calmatters/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [The Almanac](https://almanacnews.com/calmatters/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [livermorevine.com](https://livermorevine.com/calmatters/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [Los Angeles Times](https://latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-18/newsom-creates-panel-on-ai-safety-regulation-suggests-possible-kill-switch) — Newsom creates panel on AI safety regulation, suggests possible 'kill switch'
- [CNBC](https://cnbc.com/2026/09/18/california-newsom-executive-order-ai.html) — California Gov. Newsom issues executive order to rein in AI 'before it's too late'
- [KPBS](https://kpbs.org/news/science-technology/2026/09/18/newsom-orders-california-agencies-to-develop-new-ai-safety-plans-after-rejecting-tougher-law) — Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law
- [IBTimes](https://ibtimes.com/gavin-newsom-signs-executive-order-speed-ai-oversight-create-kill-switch-3807614) — Gavin Newsom Signs Executive Order To Speed Up AI Oversight And Create a 'Kill Switch'
- [Courthouse News Service](https://courthousenews.com/california-governor-issues-executive-order-on-ai) — California governor issues executive order on AI

## Questions

**What did California Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order direct state agencies to do?**

Governor Newsom directed state agencies to develop recommendations for strengthening artificial intelligence safety laws. This includes forming a team of experts to propose new regulations within two months, potentially covering areas like independent safety plan reviews for AI companies and the development of an AI 'kill switch'.

**What are some of the potential enhanced AI laws mentioned in the order?**

The executive order explores the development of enhanced AI safety laws. These could include a requirement for independent third parties to write safety plans for frontier AI companies. It also investigates the creation of a potential 'kill switch' for AI programs, allowing them to be shut down in emergencies.

**What was Governor Newsom's stance on federal AI oversight?**

Governor Newsom criticised the federal government, stating it had "abjectly failed" to create meaningful AI oversight or accountability. He expressed that California would not wait for federal action and would instead accelerate its own work on responsible AI oversight.

---

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