California Governor Newsom Signals New AI Regulations

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

Following the resignation of an Anthropic researcher over safety concerns, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed independent artificial intelligence auditing laws into the books.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to video creator Shelby Church during a YouTube In Session event on Sept. 9, 2026 in Sacramento.
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to video creator Shelby Church during a YouTube In Session event on Sept. 9, 2026 in Sacramento. Lia Russell lrussell@sacbee.com

Following the resignation of an Anthropic researcher over safety concerns, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he has signed new independent auditing laws for artificial intelligence technologies, signaling that further regulations could be enacted in the future.

Researcher's Resignation

Jacob Coxon, working as a researcher within Anthropic, announced his resignation by stating that companies are racing to develop technologies that could bring about the end of humanity.

Repercussions on Social Media

Coxon's viral resignation statement shared on social media led to calls for federal lawmakers to intervene in the matter.

Gave Up Financial Rights

The researcher stated that he resigned two months before his stock vesting period, giving up millions of dollars in financial rights.

California's Steps

California enacted a law last year requiring artificial intelligence companies to publish their safety protocols.

Governor Newsom's Statements

Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking at a YouTube-backed event in Sacramento, praised the existing safety laws and stated that he expects new regulations.

Newly Signed Laws

Governor Newsom approved two new laws that will enable external safety groups to independently evaluate models and establish standards for third-party auditors.