Khari Johnson
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As seen in:
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Medium,
Business Insider,
PBS,
WIRED,
WIRED en Español,
Ars Technica,
Flipboard,
Patch,
VentureBeat,
KQED-TV (San Francisco,CA)
and
Covers:
crowdfunding campaigns, city government
Citizen, human, tech reporter @calmatters and @themarkup, formerly @wired @venturebeat, on Bluesky bsky.app/profile/khari.bsky.social
Articles by Khari Johnson
‘Evaluators’ are supposed to keep AI from killing us all. No pressure Original
California and dozens of countries want mandatory AI audits, conducted by AI evaluators. Lawmakers are still learning about the job — and its pitfalls. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
On AI, Newsom gives labor only some of what it demanded Original
The governor signed legislation to limit how workers can be terminated, overridden, or surveilled by artificial intelligence. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. On the final day to act on his last scheduled legislative session, Gov.
California is poised to get $1.4 billion for broadband. But there’s a huge catch Original
California’s bid for $1.4 billion in broadband funding has been five years in the making. Now the Trump administration says it must give up net neutrality and other state internet rules. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
Mientras California debatía compartir datos sobre conductores, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional solicitó 17 millones de registros por orden judicial Original
EN RESUMEN: Los defensores de la privacidad lanzaron una voz de alerta cuando los legisladores de California votaron a favor de compartir la información de las licencias de conducir comerciales con una base de datos nacional sin fines de lucro. Posteriormente, la administración Trump solicitó a dicha organización los registros de los camioneros. This article is also available in English. Read it here.
The data center backlash is here — and Big Tech is spending big to combat it
The public has turned against data centers, prompting a flood of legislation in California. Business interests are trying to blunt the backlash. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
Katherine Ortiz
Katherine Ortiz is a reporter for CalMatters, where she covers the ways the tech industry influences the lives of everyday people. Previously, she worked for Business Insider, as well as the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, where she covered business, tech, and innovation stories across industries. You can also find her byline at publications including WitnessLA and LA Taco.
AI led to mistakes in Nevada County criminal cases. Should the DA be sanctioned? Original
A judge will investigate how AI-based errors affected criminal cases in Nevada County, where the district attorney has already acknowledged that mistakes appeared in four cases. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Kaiser nurses say technology is making their jobs — and patient care — worse Original
Call center nurses at the health giant said workplace surveillance tools and AI prioritize speed and cost savings over quality and safety. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
California to share driver license data despite fears it could expose unauthorized immigrants Original
The new state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed includes $55 million for the DMV to build a data-sharing system, a program meant to bring the state in compliance with the federal REAL ID law. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
California Legislature in standoff with DMV over sharing driver license data with other states Original
California lawmakers are holding up money the Newsom administration requested for a nationwide driver license database over concerns that the information could lead to deportations. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
GM just paid a record penalty for breaking California privacy law Original
Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. General Motors agreed to pay $12.75 million in civil penalties for selling driving data of hundreds of thousands of California motorists to data brokers, allegedly without their consent.
Newsom orders government to consider AI harm in contract rules
In an executive order, California’s governor pushed back on Trump administration moves against a California AI startup. At the same time, the governor moved to add further guardrails for the technology. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
Tras detenciones migratorias, legisladores de California cuestionan flujo de datos a autoridades federales Original
EN RESUMEN: Los legisladores aprobaron una auditoría de tres de los centros de fusión financiados con fondos federales del estado, citando preocupaciones sobre las libertades civiles y la privacidad. This article is also available in English. Read it here.
After immigration arrests, California lawmakers wonder: Are police telling the feds too much?
Legislators approved an audit of three of the state’s federally-funded fusion centers, citing concerns about civil liberties and privacy. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Vio un remolque abandonado. Y descubrió una red de vigilancia en la frontera de California. Original
EN RESUMEN: Los residentes del sur de California están notando nuevos lectores de matrículas que parecen ser operados por la Patrulla Fronteriza. Algunos han tenido encuentros confusos con los agentes. This article is also available in English. Read it here. En una carretera agrietada de dos carriles en el extremo este del condado de San Diego, James Cordero aparcó su Jeep en el arcén después de que algo le llamara la atención. Parecía una casa remolque abandonada.
AI sexualized a California 4th grader's book report. Can the state safeguard students?
Adobe’s artificial intelligence generated sexualized images in response to prompts for a 4th grade book project. The incident coincided with the release of new state guidelines to prevent harmful AI in schools. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
California state employees alarmed by demand to prove their citizenship
Close to four thousand employees of the California Department of Public Health were told they must use the federal E-Verify system to keep federal funding. Unions are pushing back. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
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. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Artificial intelligence models can produce lifelike video footage with a simple text prompt.
We ran a ton of tests on AI systems and discovered they still haven’t learned to dance
Dancers say their craft can’t be duplicated by AI. Our tests show they’re right — for now. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
California Investigates Elon Musk’s AI Company After ‘Avalanche’ of Complaints About Sexual Content
Khari Johnson, CalMatters Jan 14, 2026 Updated 2:45 pm PT Failed to save article Please try again Workers install lighting on an "X" sign atop the company headquarters in downtown San Francisco on July 28, 2023. Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office is looking into whether a new AI image editing tool from Elon Musk’s company violates California law. (Noah Berger/AP) This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.
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. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
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. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Trump’s new order against AI regulation hits California especially hard
Quick Take Since 2016, California has enacted more regulations on artificial intelligence than any other state. President Donald Trump's new order against such laws worries California officials. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for its newsletters. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to discourage state governments from regulating artificial intelligence and urge Congress to pass a law preempting such regulations.
Trump’s new order against AI regulation hits California especially hard
19 hours ago A new lawsuit against OpenAI alleges that ChatGPT encouraged a man’s delusional thinking, leading him to kill his 83-year-old mother and take his own life. When Stein-Erik Soelberg, a 56-year-old former technology executive with a history of mental health struggles, told ChatGPT that the printer in …
OpenAI's restructuring deal with California is full of holes, critics say Original
The company behind ChatGPT is converting to a for-profit company and settling an investigation by California’s attorney general. Experts and advocates say the company could still exploit its charitable roots. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
After getting fired, California's top cybersecurity official calls for change Original
California fired its top cybersecurity official. He says the people who oversaw him were unqualified. While you're here: On Nov. 4, Californians will decide whether the state should gerrymander its congressional districts. Sign up for key updates on the special election. California’s outgoing cybersecurity commander says the state is mismanaging its limited cybersecurity resources by letting unqualified officials set priorities.
Newsom just vetoed a bill to regulate license plate readers — even as fresh evidence of misuse emerges Original
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required regular purges of license plate databases and regularly audited how automated plate readers are used. He said the regulations would have impeded criminal investigations. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Gov.
California lawmakers wanted to get tough on data centers. Here's what survived
Most plans to regulate data centers died in the state’s Legislature this year, despite a nationwide backlash. Two surviving bills aim to promote disclosure of energy and water use. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
California issues historic fine over lawyer’s ChatGPT fabrications
The court of appeals said 21 of 23 quotes in an opening brief were fake. State authorities are scrambling to grapple with widespread use of artificial intelligence. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Google kept its lobbying on California privacy bill super, super quiet
Google organized business owners against California legislation to force its Chrome web browser to safeguard personal data. While you're here: On Nov. 4, Californians will decide whether the state should gerrymander its congressional districts. Sign up for key updates on the special election. In April, Rhode Island resident Navah Hopkins received a plea for her help to defeat legislation thousands of miles away in California.
California lawmakers kill plans to curb AI-manipulated prices Original
A secretive appropriations process killed or reined in three bills regulating the use of pricing algorithms. A bill to monitor data center electricity use was also culled. We’re keeping a close eye on your elected officials in the California Legislature. Sign up for beta access to My Legislator, your weekly report on what your representatives said, voted on, introduced and more.
Three bills would protect California workers from AI management, but will costs stand in the way?
Several bills in the California Legislature would regulate how companies use AI to make employment decisions such as compensation, hiring, firing, or promotions, but they may be in jeopardy because of their associated costs. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
California police are illegally sharing license plate data with ICE and Border Patrol
LAPD and the counties of San Diego, Orange, and Riverside have repeatedly shared automated license plate reader data to federal agencies Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
State claims there’s zero high-risk AI in California government—despite ample evidence to the contrary Original
A state report provided to CalMatters says 200 agencies reported no automation around sensitive decisions. Some called the report befuddling. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. California uses algorithms to predict whether incarcerated people will commit crimes again.
Congress might strip Californians of protections against AI in health care, hiring, and much more Original
House Republicans want to ban state AI regulations for 10 years. California leaders are alarmed. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
California regulator weakens AI rules, giving Big Tech more leeway to track you
Tech that helps businesses make decisions or target ads will be given freer rein following pressure from the governor. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. California’s first-in-the-nation privacy agency is retreating from an attempt to regulate artificial intelligence and other forms of computer automation.
Kids should avoid AI companion bots—under force of law, assessment says
With input from a Stanford lab, Common Sense Media concludes the AI systems can exacerbate problems like addition and self harm. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
California’s AI experts just put out their policy recommendations for the technology Original
A group of academic luminaries formed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year is earning praise for its AI policy recommendations. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. A group of artificial intelligence luminaries convened by Gov.
CA proposes AI regulations as Trump signals hands-off approach- CalMatters Original
President Trump is taking a very different approach to AI than the Biden administration, and it could affect how California regulates artificial intelligence. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
AI can rip you off. Here's how California lawmakers want to stop price discrimination Original
AI can help businesses charge you more based on how it evaluates your personal history and desires. California lawmakers want to end that price discrimination. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. California lawmakers want to stop artificial intelligence from ripping you off.
Crackdown on power-guzzling data centers may soon come online in California
A spate of new bills in California and other states would protect consumers from electricity rate hikes that subsidize data centers. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. California residents now pay the highest price for electricity in the continental U.S., .
California is investigating OpenAI’s conversion to a for-profit company Original
The state’s attorney general asked the company how it plans to transfer assets out of its charitable nonprofit. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Los trabajadores de California planean luchar contra la Inteligencia Artificial por temor a que les quite el trabajo Original
EN RESUMEN En una reunión histórica en Sacramento, los trabajadores discutieron las defensas contra la inteligencia artificial y la tecnología de vigilancia. Read this story in English El frenesí actual en torno a la inteligencia artificial se ha extendido como una onda expansiva. Comenzó entre ingenieros inspirados por un documento de investigación de 2017. Luego vinieron los capitalistas de riesgo ansiosos por sacar provecho de un nuevo auge.
Fearing AI will take their jobs, California workers plan a long battle against tech
At a landmark gathering in Sacramento, workers discussed defenses against artificial intelligence and surveillance technology. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. The current frenzy around artificial intelligence has spread like a shockwave. It started among engineers inspired by a 2017 research paper.
Newsom vetoes major California artificial intelligence bill Original
The legislation would have required tech companies to test AI for harm to society. It attracted opposition from numerous members of Congress and major AI companies including Google, Meta, and OpenAI. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. California Gov.
Los conductores de California pueden obtener licencias móviles en sus iPhones; pero también necesitan tener licencias físicas
EN RESUMEN California es el séptimo estado de Estados Unidos en adoptar licencias de conducir móviles para iPhones, parte de un esfuerzo creciente por parte de empresas y gobiernos para hacer que las identificaciones digitales sean algo común.
California drivers can get mobile licenses on their iPhones — but they need physical ones too
California is the seventh U.S. state to adopt mobile driver’s licenses for iPhones, part of a growing push by businesses and governments to make digital IDs commonplace. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Esto es lo que hicieron los legisladores de California para regular la Inteligencia Artificial Original
EN RESUMEN: La Legislatura de California aprobó más de una docena de proyectos de ley para regular la inteligencia artificial en los últimos días, aunque algunas ambiciones se quedaron cortas.
What California lawmakers did to regulate artificial intelligence Original
The California Legislature passed more than a dozen bills to regulate artificial intelligence in recent days, though some ambitions fell short. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. California legislators just sent Gov.
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