On Friday, September 18, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed a new decree designed to promote safer development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). The policy encourages AI developers and companies to adopt additional safety measures to address potential risks associated with the technology. This comes amid growing concerns about the rapid advancement of AI and its impact on society, employment, and security. The decree emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to ensure that AI systems are reliable, transparent, and do not cause harm. It calls for AI actors—companies and researchers involved in AI development—to implement safeguards such as rigorous testing, ethical review processes, and clear disclosure of AI-generated content. The goal is to foster innovation while protecting the public interest. California has long been at the forefront of technology regulation, and this new decree continues that trend. It reflects broader national and international discussions about the need for responsible AI development. While the decree does not impose strict legal requirements, it encourages voluntary compliance and collaboration between the government and the private sector. The move has been welcomed by some tech experts who argue that self-regulation can be effective when paired with public oversight. However, others have called for more binding regulations to ensure all companies follow the same standards. As AI continues to evolve, the balance between innovation and safety remains a central challenge for policymakers and industry leaders alike.