Technology

A dancing group poses in sync, their arms arched, standing in formation on a stage in a dark dance studio. In the background is a black backdrop with LED lights hanging on metal railing rigs.

Show Your Work

How we tested and evaluated AI-generated dance videos

None of the videos generated by the leading AI platforms showed the actual dances we requested.

By

Mohamed Al Elew

,

Khari Johnson

and

Levi Sumagaysay

• January 21, 2026

Workers install lighting on an "X" sign atop the company headquarters, formerly known as Twitter, in downtown San Francisco, on July 28, 2023. Photo by Noah Berger, AP Photo

Technology

California orders Elon Musk’s AI company to immediately stop sharing sexual deepfakes

Attorney General Rob Bonta said it is a violation of California law to create and distribute of nonconsensual sexual AI images as xAI has done.

By

Khari Johnson

• January 14, 2026

Technology

OpenAI, childrens’ advocates join forces on initiative to protect kids from chatbots

ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Common Sense Media had rival ballot initiatives designed to protect kids from chatbots. Today they merged their efforts.

By

Khari Johnson

• January 9, 2026

Illustration of a man on his laptop, rendered in a pixelated 8-bit style, set against a background screenshot of privacy.ca.gov and pixelated blocks

Technology

How Californians can use a new state website to block hundreds of data brokers

A tool called DROP lets California residents fill out a few forms to keep their personal data from being tracked or sold by data brokers.

By

Colin Lecher

and

Miles Hilton

• January 8, 2026

An aerial view shows a large data center complex surrounded by warehouses and industrial buildings in a dense urban area. The main structure has a white facade with vertical window slits and a flat roof filled with cooling units, pipes, and mechanical equipment, while streets, parked cars, and power lines run along the perimeter. A hazy cityscape stretches into the distance beyond the industrial zone.

Technology

California tax revenue getting a boost from AI boom — but for how long?

As talk of a possible AI bubble grows, so does uncertainty around an important source of California tax money.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• January 6, 2026

Illustration of Facebook posts by the California Courier oozing out pink slime

Technology

Could this mysterious California news site influence the 2026 election?

The California Courier uses the name of an established paper and doesn’t disclose apparent Republican ties. Critics call it “pink slime.”

By

Colin Lecher

• January 5, 2026

A close-up view of dark purple round banners displayed at the top of a room filled with attendees at a conference. The banners include text that say, "to value fast ..." and "AI, data, and ..."

Technology

Scared of artificial intelligence? New law forces makers to disclose disaster plans

Big Tech companies will have to disclose how they plan to prevent and handle artificial intelligence disasters.

By

Khari Johnson

• December 31, 2025

A large, illuminated sign spelling "DATA" is suspended from the ceiling, with holographic numbers, plus signs, and other symbols hanging around it. The reflective installation casts colorful light patterns. In the foreground, a blurred figure wearing a blue jacket is visible, partially obstructed by a glass surface. The scene takes place in a modern conference or exhibition space with a high ceiling and metal framework.

Technology

Big Tech got regulated, but just barely: 2025 in review

Chatbots, data centers, and algorithmic pricing were all subject to new laws, but the laws themselves were watered down.

By

Ryan Tate

• December 30, 2025

Yellow and red cables are plugged into large black shelfs of computer machinery as a person works in the background.

Environment

Big Tech blocks California data center rules, leaving only a study requirement

A new law orders regulators to study the cost impacts of fast-growing, energy-hungry AI data centers. Lawmakers are expected to revisit tougher rules as utilities, advocates and tech groups battle over who pays for the grid upgrades.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 29, 2025

A tilted view of former U.S. President Donald Trump standing in front of a podium as he speaks from a stage decorated in blue, white and red colors.

Technology

Trump’s new order against AI regulation hits California especially hard

Since 2016, California enacted more AI regulations than any other state. The president's new order against such laws worries state officials.

By

Khari Johnson

• December 11, 2025