California Bans Using AI to Monitor Workers’ Brains, Emotions

# California Bans Using AI to Monitor Workers’ Brains, Emotions Source: [https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/newsom-signs-ban-on-using-ai-to-monitor-worker-brain-activity](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/newsom-signs-ban-on-using-ai-to-monitor-worker-brain-activity) Sept\. 30, 2026, 11:36 PM UTC California businesses are banned from collecting data on their workers’ brain activity or inferring their emotional states through use of AI\-powered surveillance tools, under legislation Gov\. Gavin Newsom \(D\) signed into law Wednesday\. The measure \([AB 1883](https://aboutblaw.com/bmLJ)\) restricts employers’ use of systems such as video and audio monitoring, continuous time\-trackers, geolocation, and electromagnetic tracking if they use artificial intelligence to collect neural data or recognize employees’ emotions\. The new law carries civil penalties up to $500 per violation, with enforcement handled by the state labor commissioner and public prosecutors\. Newsom, in a[signing statement](https://aboutblaw.com/bmZZ), urged state legislators to clarify the scope of the new law along with that of a related measure \([AB 1331](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1331)\) that restricts employer surveillance in workplace restrooms\. States have proposed many but have enacted relatively few laws limiting how businesses use AI for workplace decisions or personnel management\. An Illinois law regulates AI\-analyzed video interviews in hiring, and Maryland restricts facial recognition technology\. Recent state legislative action, including Colorado’s overhaul of its AI law, has been largely focused on[transparency requirements](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/colorado-joins-states-favoring-ai-disclosure-over-audit-mandates)\. Newsom vetoed a bill in 2025 that proposed broader restrictions on businesses’ use of AI and algorithmic tools in personnel decisions\. --- — With assistance from Tran Nguyen\. ## Learn more about Bloomberg Law or Log In to keep reading: ### See Breaking News in Context Bloomberg Law provides trusted coverage of current events enhanced with legal analysis\. ### Already a subscriber? Log in to keep reading or access research tools and resources\.