California AI order requires firms seeking state contracts to have safeguards against abuse

California Governor Gavin Newsom delivers the State of the State address in Sacramento, California, U.S. January 8, 2026. REUTERS/Fred Greaves

March 30 (Reuters) - California Governor ⁠Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on ⁠Monday that requires firms seeking contracts with the state ‌to provide safeguards against AI misuse, including the generation of illegal content, harmful bias and violations of civil rights.

(Reporting by Carlos Méndez in Mexico City; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)