California will begin ticketing driverless cars that violate traffic laws by allowing police to issue a "notice of AV noncompliance" to the vehicle's manufacturer. The new regulations from the Department of Motor Vehicles aim to hold manufacturers accountable for their autonomous vehicles' actions on the road.

China's courts have ruled against the use of AI for layoffs, stating that replacing workers with AI cannot be solely a cost-cutting measure. Nvidia's CEO claims that AI has created 500,000 jobs over the past two years, suggesting that concerns about job losses may be exaggerated.

The 2026 AI Index from Stanford University reports rapid advancements in leading AI models and anticipates IPOs from major companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. Local governments in the United States are increasingly implementing restrictions or bans on new data center developments due to growing public resentment towards AI.

Maine's legislature has advanced bill LD 307, which imposes a moratorium on permits for new data centers requiring more than 20 megawatts of electricity. This decision is driven by concerns that the growing demand for AI technology is exacerbating high electricity costs in the state.

Health NZ has instructed staff to cease using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for writing clinical notes, warning that violations could lead to disciplinary action. A memo was issued to Mental Health and Addiction Services staff in the Rotorua Lakes district reiterating this directive.

Anthropic filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon to prevent being placed on a national security blacklist due to AI usage restrictions. The lawsuit claims the designation is unlawful and infringes on the company's free speech and due process rights.