New York City weighs an AI off switch and whistleblower payouts as ex-AI lab researchers testify

• Trump's 'Super Intelligence Task Force' is tasked with promoting US AI leadership and avoiding over-regulation, with a report due in 120 days.
• The NYC Council is holding hearings on AI regulation, featuring testimony from former researchers at Anthropic, DeepMind (Google), and OpenAI.
• Proposed NYC regulations include mandatory third-party validation for new AI models and a human-operated shutdown mechanism for AI deployed in the city.
• The council is also considering private rights of action for foreseeable harm from third-party misuse and whistleblower processes with significant payouts (up to 50% of proceeds).

President Trump's new AI task force aims for US leadership with minimal regulation, while the New York City Council is considering strict AI regulations. These proposals include third-party validation, human-operated shutdown mechanisms, and whistleblower incentives, sparking debate on their potential to set national precedents and impact AI development.