New York council weighs AI rules with tech executives

The New York City Council is set to question former artificial intelligence researchers and executives from major technology companies Monday as lawmakers review 10 bills aimed at regulating AI, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The proposals would create city-level safeguards around a fast-growing technology, including a human-operated shutdown requirement, penalties and protections for some whistleblowers.

Former AI researchers Jacob Coxon, Daniel Kokotajlo and Alex Turner are among those expected to testify at the hearing, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The council is also expecting representatives from Anthropic, OpenAI, Meta and Google.

The package before the council includes 10 proposed bills. One measure would require AI systems to include a way for a human operator to shut them down through a "kill switch," according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Some violations under the proposals could bring fines of up to $25,000. The council is also considering a program for municipal employees, contractors and subcontractors who report suspected wrongdoing tied to AI development.

"Whistleblowers are why the world learned of the potential dangers of AI, and they deserve to be protected, rewarded, and heard," New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a prepared statement, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

"We are pleased that we were able to secure the participation of several leading whistleblowers who, for the first time, will be providing their testimony," Menin said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

SpaceXAI did not respond to an invitation to appear, according to the council, and lawmakers issued a subpoena, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration has barred generative AI in public elementary and middle schools, while Gov. Kathy Hochul is working on a statewide AI regulatory framework.

The hearing comes as New York officials pursue both city and statewide approaches to AI oversight.