Research papers, investigations, explainers, videos, laws and the organizations doing the work, from people who are alarmed and people who are skeptical. New additions are checked by two people before they are listed. The launch collection was compiled with the help of AI research assistants, and every link was opened and checked on 22 September 2026.
6 works on “Who is in charge?” · Law or policy · clear filters
The European Commission's guide to the AI Act, the first comprehensive AI law: it bans some uses, sets strict rules for high-risk systems, and adds duties for the most powerful general-purpose models.
Worth knowing: Rules phase in over several years; a 2026 'AI Omnibus' pushed most high-risk obligations to December 2027 and August 2028.
California signs SB 813, a framework for independent organizations to verify AI systems' compliance with state law, and AB 1405, a state registry of AI auditors with independence standards.
Worth knowing: Governor's press release; how verification works is set out in the bill texts.
Announces the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act: a permanent ban on superintelligent AI, a pause on advanced AI until a new federal regulator sets rules, and a push for international agreements.
Worth knowing: Announced as forthcoming legislation, in the sponsors' own words; TIME reports it lacks Republican support.
Announces the bipartisan AI Kill Switch Act, which would make developers of the most powerful AI keep the ability to throttle or shut systems down, and let DHS order a slowdown or shutdown.
Worth knowing: A proposed bill, not law, described here by its sponsors.
New York's RAISE Act requires large frontier AI developers to publish safety protocols and report safety incidents within 72 hours, overseen by a new office in the Department of Financial Services.
Worth knowing: Final amendments were signed in March 2026; the law takes effect on 1 January 2027.
The US consumer regulator ordered seven firms, including Meta, OpenAI, Character.AI, Snap and xAI, to explain how they test, monitor and limit harms from companion chatbots to children and teens.
Worth knowing: A fact-finding study, not an enforcement action.