California news and trends

California to Consider Temporary Ban on Toys Equipped With AI-Powered Chatbots

January 06, 2026
California Tops States for AI and Social Platforms Accountability Rules
artificial intelligence // October 23, 2025

California has passed a series of artificial intelligence and social-media bills establishing the nation’s most extensive state-level safeguards for minors and requiring AI developers to disclose their training data. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access...

California Eyes Regulating AI Models
artificial intelligence // September 25, 2025

California may soon lead the nation in regulating powerful AI models. The Legislature passed SB 53, the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act, which would require “frontier” AI developers to publish safety protocols, report critical incidents to the state and uphold whistleblower protections. The bill...

California Law Will Require AI Developers to Disclose Training Data
artificial intelligence // September 24, 2025

Starting Jan. 1, California will require developers of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models to publicly disclose what data they use to train their systems. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content —...

California Takes Trump to Court Over ‘Chaotic’ Tariffs
Politics // April 16, 2025

California is set to become the first state to sue President Donald Trump over his tariffs. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily...

Interviews & Exclusives
California’s Fast Food Restaurants Prepare for Automation, Closures After Wage Law

September 06, 2022
On Monday (Sept. 5), California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Bill AB-257, which will set higher wage requirements for fast food workers as well as enact standards related to “health, safety, and welfare.” Fast food restaurants have been pushing back against this bill since it was first proposed, and the effects of these changes […]

California Crypto Bill Would Be as Tough as New York’s BitLicense, Critics Say

September 01, 2022
With a comprehensive crypto licensing bill awaiting California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, the U.S.’s largest market has jumped into the fight over consumer protection and innovation that is dominating federal...

What Uber And Lyft’s Court Loss Means For The Gig Economy’s Future

August 12, 2020
A California judge this week ordered Uber and Lyft to stop classifying their workers as independent contractors and start classifying them as employees, an order the two firms have 10 days...

Is There A ‘Third Way’ For Uber and Other Gig-Economy Firms To Classify Workers?

August 11, 2020
For gig-economy companies, is it time to make way for the third way? Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to...

Quick Reads
California to Consider Temporary Ban on Toys Equipped With AI-Powered Chatbots

January 06, 2026
California State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) introduced a bill Monday (Jan. 5) that would prohibit the manufacture and sale of toys that include an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to […]

California Tops States for AI and Social Platforms Accountability Rules

October 23, 2025
California has passed a series of artificial intelligence and social-media bills establishing the nation’s most extensive state-level safeguards for minors and requiring AI developers to disclose their training data. Get...

California Takes Trump to Court Over ‘Chaotic’ Tariffs

April 16, 2025
California is set to become the first state to sue President Donald Trump over his tariffs. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited...

Supreme Court Won’t Hear Uber and Lyft Gig Worker Appeal

October 07, 2024
Uber and Lyft have lost a chance to have an appeal heard by the Supreme Court. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited...