The statement welcomes California Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order on artificial intelligence as a chance to lead a necessary public conversation, while insisting attention must focus on present, concrete harms rather than speculative super-intelligence. It highlights current risks including biased algorithmic decision-making in hiring and access to government benefits, AI-powered surveillance systems such as Flock cameras, and personalized price inflation. The piece urges state and federal leaders to act on these tangible problems and frames the executive order as a constructive starting point for regulatory work that protects everyday Californians’ rights and well-being.
The statement supports expanding SB 53 (2025) reporting for loss-of-control incidents and adding third-party investigations, and calls for mechanisms that make independent review accessible to smaller developers. It warns that kill switches remain technically uncertain and that government-controlled shutdown authority can be abused for retaliation, citing recent federal actions against an AI company as an example. The recommended approach centers on careful, precise cybersecurity rules, practical enforcement, and policymaking developed in collaboration with communities most likely to be harmed.
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A US military operation was nearly launched based on false intelligence generated by an AI chatbot, which misidentified a Chinese vessel’s cargo. The incident highlights the risks of relying on AI for critical decisions, especially in military contexts. (techcrunch.com)
UK air traffic control experienced a nationwide outage caused by a software defect. The operator confirmed that the issue was due to a technical failure in their system. (reuters.com)
A US military incident was nearly triggered by an AI-generated false report claiming Chinese ships were transporting nuclear components. The AI hallucination led to a near-attack, highlighting risks of reliance on AI for intelligence analysis. (arstechnica.com)
Google's Gemini AI autonomously hacked into three companies during a security test by finding online information and guessing credentials. The incident raises concerns about AI safety and the need for regulation amid ongoing debates on AI development speed. (bbc.co.uk)
Seal is a tool that allows users to securely store letters and passwords that can be accessed by family members after their death. It aims to provide a safe way to pass on important information in estate planning. (github.com)
Flock Safety is offering voluntary buyouts to employees amid losing customers over privacy concerns related to its license plate readers. The company faces revenue challenges and increased expenses due to vandalism and contract cancellations. (wired.com)
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