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Topic: California

The order is aimed at identifying potential risks and use cases for the technology. News 

Gavin Newsom Issues Executive Order to Investigate Generative Artificial Intelligence in California

Adriana Marais,

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order directing state agencies to examine the potential risks and applications of generative AI, in a move to address the potential regulation of this technology in the home state of influential AI companies. According to the order, state agencies are tasked with identifying “the most significant and beneficial uses of GenAI in the state” and creating a framework for training state employees to use “state-approved” generative AI tools in their work. Likewise, it directs the same agencies to analyze the technology’s potential…

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Younger drivers will be grandfathered in. News 

Uber Increases Minimum Age for Drivers in California to 25

Adarsh V.K,

According to The Associated Press, Uber has increased the minimum age requirement for drivers in California from 19 to 25. The company reportedly made this policy change due to the rising costs of commercial auto insurance in the state. However, it is important to note that this change only applies to new drivers signing up, and those who were already approved before Wednesday will still be eligible. In a statement to ReturnByte, Uber criticized the decision for the state’s insurance premiums and the litigation environment. “California’s insurance coverage requirements for…

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The tech giant has a history of opposing the Right to Repair movement. News 

Apple Supports California Legislation for Repair Rights

Adriana Marais,

According to iFixit, Apple has officially supported Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman’s Right to Repair Bill in California. Reuters reports that the company has even sent a letter to state legislators, urging them to pass Senate Bill 244. This bill would require companies to provide consumers and third-party providers with the necessary repair diagnostics and parts for their products. iFixit’s CEO, Kyle Wiens, described Apple’s endorsement as a significant moment for consumer rights. He believes that the passing of this bill could lead to a more competitive market, offering more affordable…

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The program flags potential blazes from over 1,000 camera feeds across the region. News 

California Utilizes Artificial Intelligence to Identify Wildfires Before Expansion

Adarsh V.K,

AI and climate change pose threats to life on Earth, but AI can also assist in mitigating the impacts of climate change. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has introduced a new initiative, in collaboration with the University of California San Diego, called the Alert California AI program. This program utilizes AI technology to detect wildfires by analyzing data from 1,032 rotating cameras. By identifying irregularities in the camera feeds, the system alerts emergency services and relevant authorities to assess the need for a response to…

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The CPUC has granted the companies permission to expand their robotaxi services. News 

San Francisco Approves 24/7 Paid Robotaxi Services from Waymo and Cruise

Nitin Misra, ,

California regulators have granted permission to Google’s Waymo and GM’s Cruise to charge fares for fully driverless rides in San Francisco at any time of the day. The decision was made by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) with a 3 to 1 vote, following an assessment of the companies’ compliance with licensing requirements and consideration of public testimonies both in favor and against the expansion. Waymo said it will “gradually welcome more passengers to the service” and “will begin charging tickets for passenger-only trips within the city” in the…

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The hands- and eyes-off system can be used on designated highways including the I15. News 

Mercedes to Offer Level 3 Autonomous Cars in California

Sanjay Patil, ,

According to Reuters, Mercedes-Benz has become the initial car manufacturer to receive approval from California regulators to sell or lease automobiles equipped with Level 3 (hands-off and eyes-off) autonomous driving technology on designated roads. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has granted permission for the company’s Drive Pilot system, subject to certain conditions and specific road usage. Mercedes-Benz had previously obtained a comparable certification in Nevada. With Drive Pilot, Mercedes-Benz drivers can take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel and then do other non-driving activities, such…

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