California’s ambitious push to regulate artificial intelligence has hit another snag, with key legislation stalled amid fierce debates over innovation, safety, and economic impact. Lawmakers had high hopes for 2025, building on previous efforts like the vetoed SB 1047, but recent developments suggest a familiar pattern of delay. According to a report from CalMatters, the state’s proposed AI safety bill, SB 53, which aimed to impose strict testing and oversight on advanced models, remains in limbo as Governor Gavin Newsom weighs his options. This comes after a year of intense lobbying from tech giants and startups alike, highlighting the tension between fostering cutting-edge tech and mitigating potential risks.
The bill’s provisions, including mandatory safety protocols for models trained with massive computational power, have drawn both praise and criticism. Proponents argue it could prevent catastrophic misuse, such as AI-driven cyberattacks or misinformation campaigns, while opponents warn it might stifle California’s tech dominance. Newsom’s previous veto of similar measures cited concerns over overregulation, a sentiment echoed in recent industry feedback.
The Political Tug-of-War Intensifying in Sacramento
As the legislative session nears its end, insiders point to behind-the-scenes negotiations that have bogged down progress. Sources from White & Case LLP note that while some AI bills, like the Generative AI Accountability Act, were signed into law effective January 1, 2025, broader safety frameworks face resistance. This act requires state agencies to conduct risk analyses and ensure ethical AI use, but it stops short of comprehensive private-sector mandates. Meanwhile, posts on X from tech figures like Palmer Luckey express relief over potential federal pre-emption, suggesting that national guidelines might override state efforts to avoid a patchwork of rules.
The delay’s roots trace back to economic pressures. California’s tech sector, home to Silicon Valley heavyweights, contributes massively to the state’s GDP. A Inside Global Tech analysis reveals that over a dozen AI bills advanced this session, covering consumer protections and chatbot safeguards, yet core safety bills like SB 53 are caught in crossfire. Industry leaders argue that vague liability clauses could drive companies to relocate, with estimates from X discussions indicating potential job losses in the thousands.
Economic Ramifications and Industry Pushback
Compliance costs are a flashpoint. A study referenced in posts on X by Will Rinehart, using large language models to model expenses, projects that firms could face $2 million to $6 million in burdens over a decade for automated decision systems under bills like AB 1018. This has mobilized opposition from companies like Anthropic, which paradoxically endorsed some regulations but lobbied against overly burdensome ones, as reported by NBC News via X updates. Startups, in particular, fear being crushed under regulatory weight that Big Tech can absorb, with TechCrunch highlighting how SB 243’s chatbot rules could set precedents for accountability without derailing innovation.
Governor Newsom’s decision looms large, influenced by his national ambitions and the state’s budget woes. Recent web searches show a June 2025 expert report, The California Report on Frontier AI Policy, informing revisions to make the bill less “rigid,” per Al Mayadeen English. Yet, delays persist, with critics on X platforms like @amuse warning that California risks ceding AI leadership to China if regulations become too stringent.
Looking Ahead: Innovation vs. Safeguards
The holdup underscores a broader national debate. While California has enacted laws on deepfakes and AI transparency—such as AB 2013 requiring training data disclosure, as detailed by Mayer Brown—comprehensive AI governance remains elusive. Experts predict that without resolution by year’s end, federal intervention could preempt state actions, a scenario favored by some X commentators like Just Loki.
For industry insiders, this delay offers a reprieve but also uncertainty. Companies are already adapting, with some shifting operations to states like Texas for lighter oversight. As Pillsbury Law outlines, the 18 new AI laws effective in 2025 focus on sectors like healthcare and elections, yet the absence of overarching safety nets leaves gaps. Ultimately, California’s AI regulatory saga reflects the high stakes: balancing technological progress with societal protection in an era where AI’s potential—and perils—are only beginning to unfold.
As the demands on the health care industry grow, top health systems must invest in the integration of new technologies to support physicians and better care for patients.
Newsweek’s Digital Health Care Forum on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, invites health care leaders from top health systems across the country to New York City to share their strategies, challenges and impacts of recent technological innovations.
The forum, sponsored by Tecsys, Palantir and WelcomeWare, features a full day of programming that includes expert panels, research presentations, fireside chats and networking receptions that address the biggest challenges facing health care systems in the digital age.
The diverse slate of panels will discuss topics such as financing innovation, tech integration, virtual health care, artificial intelligence, governance and leadership in the digital age.
Some notable speakers represent leaders in the industry, including Kaiser Permanente, Columbia University, Hospital for Special Surgery, Microsoft Health and Life Sciences, Statista, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Corewell Health and Northwestern Medicine.
The full list of panels and speakers can be found here.
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Technology helps combat challenges of health care in rural states
The panelist discussed the most important technological advancements they have integrated into their health systems.
David Callendar of Memorial Hermann said the system is owned by the greater community of Houston, Texas and is very supportive of their mission to improve overall health. Callendat said Memorial Hermann engages with members of the community directly to help them understand what good health is and how to obtain it within their circumstances.
Brad Reimer from Sanford Health said the adoption of technology “has got to be targeted,” and the mission case and a business case have to come together. He said their mission is to sustain health care in rural America. An example of this is doubling down their investment in virtual care and developing an AI model with the chronic kidney disease team that, along with the development of electronic health records, has doubled the number of screenings and tripled the number of clinical diagnoses of chronic kidney disease.
Panelist says health systems can’t improve “without leveraging technology”
After the first networking break, Alexis Kayser is back on stage for her next panel, “The Business Case for Tech and Innovation,” which explores how hospital systems can adopt new technologies to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
Memorial Hermann Health System CEO Dr. David Callender, Fairview Health Services President and CEO James Hereford and Sanford Health CIO Brad Reimer share what has worked at their institutions to build a successful tech portfolio with a strong return on investment.
Fairview had a significant financial turnaround this past year. Hereford said the investment in technology played a major role in that success.
“We want to transform health care and you can’t fully do that without fully leveraging technology,” he said.
Reimer said pacing out tech deployments in the Sanford Health System has been a huge benefit. He said it allows the health system to do more pilot programs, reduce risk and pivot or bail out when they aren’t getting the outcomes they want.
“That’s much harder to do if you push that across a whole physician group or a full nursing group,” he said. “[We’re] trying to make sure that we’re taking a big picture step back of how much change are we are introducing to the clinicians and to operations and making sure that we’re not just peppering them with a bunch of uncoordinated things that don’t drive value.”
This approach has also helped with the recruitment of medical staff who expect the latest technology and advancements in hospitals.
First networking break begins
Attendees are now taking a short networking break before the next panel, The Business Case for Tech and Innovation, with speakers from Memorial Hermann Health System, Fairview Health Services and Sanford Health.
Koford said new cancer center is a “catalyst” for MSK’s mission
Kreg Koford said the new cancer center will address disparities in cancer care for underserved communities, translate research into clinical work, train the next generation of doctors and be a center for “impact-driven innovation” with “compassionate, personalized care.”
There will also be staff respite areas for clinicians to decompress from the high-stress environment, fall-prevention technology in patient rooms and improved digital displays and smart capabilities throughout the facility.
The guiding principles of the pavilion technology include:
The patient is the focus
Speed, stability and resilience in technology investment
Using the most advanced, effective, efficient and compassionate care with flexibility and foresight to enable innovation
Working as a team and using technology to improve collaboration among clinicians, patients and families
Supporting team members
Turning every interaction into insight by collecting data to improve outcomes and accelerate clinical trials and scientific discovery
He said the building serves as a “catalyst” for Memorial Sloan Kettering’s mission to provide care for everyone who needs it and “hopefully eradicate cancer and, if not, provide care to help patients recover.”
The pavilion is set to open in 2030.
MSK announced that its state-of-the-art cancer care pavilion currently under construction will be named The Kenneth C. Griffin Pavilion at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
— Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (@MSKCancerCenter) March 14, 2025
A look at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s newest cancer pavilion
Kreg Koford, the senior vice president of Real Estate Operations at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, presented the hospital’s plan to build a new facility to address the anticipated increase in demand for care and to accommodate modern and future technology.
Koford said there are currently 40,000 new cancer cases in New York City each year, and that will increase to about 47,000 cases by 2030 and 60,000 by 2050.
To address this, MSK is building the Kenneth C. Griffin Pavilion on its main campus, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The pavilion will house a new, state-of-the-art cancer care facility to accommodate the rising number of cancer cases each year.
The facility features 12 new operating rooms, 2,018 inpatient beds, single rooms for immunocompromised patients and the latest technology and cutting-edge robotics.
Panelists define with good vendor partnership looks like in health care
The speakers on the Breaking Down Silos panel shared what they look for in outside vendors to ensure true partnerships.
They agreed that the partnership has to go beyond the financial transactions.
Simon Nazarian from City of Hope said the patient is always at the center of these decisions, and when you start with the financial, you can lose the reason why you’re engaging in the partnership.
“What will this [partnership] deliver to the patient and the health care industry overall?” he said.
At IU Health, Dennis Murphy said transparency is key with these vendor partnerships.
“Define accountability on both sides of the table,” he said. “We want to know if our team is not doing what they’re supposed to. We are okay with telling vendors, but we are not as receptive about the feedback for our own team.”
He also said that products are not static; they are dynamic. Good partners, he said, talk about what is next in the space. Going beyond the financial transaction means talking with partners about the next two or three things coming down the pike.
Newsweek Health Care Editor Alexis Kayser hosts the “Breaking Down Silos: Achieving True IT Integration in Health Care” panel during the Digital Health Care Forum on September 16, 2025, at One World Trade Center in… Newsweek Health Care Editor Alexis Kayser hosts the “Breaking Down Silos: Achieving True IT Integration in Health Care” panel during the Digital Health Care Forum on September 16, 2025, at One World Trade Center in New York City. Panelists include IU Health President & CEO Dennis Murphy, City of Hope EVP & Chief Digital and Technology Officer Simon Nazarian and Northwestern Medicine Chief Digital Executive & VP of Information Services Danny Sama.
Newsweek
Panelist discuss concerns over sharing patient medical data
Newsweek’s Alexis Kayser leads the first panel of the day, “Breaking Down Silos: Achieving True IT Integration in Health Care,” which tackles breaking down silos with tech integration.
Panelists include IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy, City of Hope Executive VP and Chief Digital and Technology Officer Simon Nazarian and Northwestern Medicine Chief Digital Executive and VP of Information Services Danny Sama.
Kayser asked the panel about patient data sharing, as people are worried about privacy and control over sensitive health data that could be used for education and research.
Sama said it comes down to whose data it is.
“It’s the patient’s. If the patient doesn’t want data to be used, that is their right,” he said.
He noted an ethical conundrum: Could this data lead to a medical breakthrough and would it be unethical not to use it? Sama said that the decision might be left up to the courts and government regulation.
“HIPPA needs updating for the modern system of how we use information,” he added. “Regulations might hinder progress more than helping it. But it is patient data, so it’s a tricky tightrope to walk.”
Murphy offered a different perspective, saying physicians need to take the time to explain to patients why the data is necessary to advance medical research.
“I don’t think people want to invest time to have those conversations with patients, he said.
Murphy added that the main concern among patients who are hesitant to share their data are fears of insurance costs going up, putting employment in jeopardy and wanting a return on investment if their data is used for major medical advancements.
Tina Freese Deckers shares key behaviors to drive change in health care
Tina Freese Deckers, the board chair of the American Hospital Association and president and CEO of Corewell Health, took the stage to share her opening remarks.
She shared a story of a patient with tremors who wrote her a letter, his first hand-written note in 30 years, after a focused ultrasound procedure.
“He now can write a letter, he can now drink coffee without worrying about spills,” she said. “We totally changed his life and that’s why we’re here.”
She outlined overall challenges facing health care, including funding, affordability, an aging population and a shrinking workforce.
Health care has been slow to change, Freese Deckers said, and there are five key behaviors needed to drive change:
Taking care of ourselves and each other
Focus on mission and purpose and find the problem we are trying to solve and tie it back to the mission
Be curious about the road ahead, which requires actively listening and communicating and seeking out different points of view
Commit and own it: Go to the higher rungs of the accountability ladder where you find solutions and “make it happen”
Make sure we deliver and celebrate those successes
“This is how we do hard things, this is how we start to move forward,” she said. “We need to make sure that we’re doing those hard things, that we’re embracing the technology and artificial intelligence, that we’re bringing the hope to our teams, that we’re putting forward the discussions that we have and we’re owning it and making it happen.”
Newsweek’s health care editor outlines industry challenges in opening remarks
In her opening remarks, Newsweek’s Health Care Editor Alexis Kayser welcomes attendees and speakers – some of whom traveled from California, Texas, South Dakota, and even internationally from Mexico, Spain, Belgium and Colombia.
Kayser likens the current state of the health care industry to the Charles Dickens quote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
“Where we sit, in the United States, health systems are up against funding cuts and rising costs,” she said. “Our population is getting older and they’re getting sicker. Policies, waivers and regulations are up in the air. And patients’ trust doesn’t come as easily as it used to. “
But, Kayser added, advancements in technology like AI and predictive analytics have the potential to turn things around.
“The people in this room are the people who are going to get us there,” she said. “The discussions we have in this room should help make that path a little clearer.”
Digital Health Care Forum to feature panels, fireside chats, presentations
Attendees are arriving at Newsweek’s headquarters in New York City for the Digital Health Care Forum: Sculpting a Digital Future.
The event will kick off with opening remarks from Newsweek’s Health Care Editor Alexis Kayser and Tina Freese Decker, the president and CEO of Corewell Health, at 10 a.m.
A full day of panels and fireside chats will follow throughout the day, including:
A “State of the Industry” presentation with Newsweek’s Global Head of Research and Statista
Discussions about aligning tech and financial investments with strategic planning
Fireside chats with senior leadership from Tecsys and Palantir
A panel about change management from the perspective of chief medical and nursing information officers
Presentations from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and UMass Memorial Health
A look at telehealth and remote patient monitoring technologies
A review of AI advancements, use cases and challenges in top hospital systems
Advice from top hospital systems about taking “healthy risks”
A spotlight on fostering trust and collaboration from Newsweek CEO Circle members
LONDON and MIAMI and NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI” or the “Company”), an emerging growth Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and IT services company engaged in the development of next-generation market disruptive AI-driven Cybersecurity technology, announced today the appointment of Alex Epshteyn as Chief Innovation Officer.
Mr. Epshteyn brings over 28 years of executive leadership and advanced technical expertise in AI, complex systems integration, real-time data visualization and large-scale infrastructure projects. In his new role, he will lead CyberAI’s innovation initiatives, overseeing product strategy, research and development and the continued evolution of CyberAI’s expanding patent portfolio including Sentinel 2.0—the Company’s patent-pending AI-powered Cybersecurity subscription platform.
Working in collaboration with Dr. Peter J. Morales, CyberAI’s Chief Technology Officer / Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Epshteyn will drive efforts to align advanced innovation with enterprise needs and global market expansion. His appointment underscores CyberAI’s commitment to industry leadership, product excellence and the delivery of intelligent Cybersecurity solutions tailored for middle-market companies worldwide.
“Alex is a world-class innovator with an extraordinary ability to design, architect and commercialize cutting-edge technologies,” said A.J. Cervantes, Jr., Executive Chairman at CyberAI. “His deep experience spanning AI and mission-critical infrastructure will play a pivotal role as CyberAI accelerates the launch of our CyberAI Sentinel 2.0 platform and we position the Company for rapid growth and scale.”
Mr. Epshteyn previously served as CEO and CTO of Zignage, a premier real-time data visualization and digital signage company powering clients such as the New York Stock Exchange, Mizuho Bank, BMO and Morgan Stanley. He also founded Ngaged Software, an AI-powered education technology startup whose platform, BriteClass, was deployed at Harvard, MIT, Brandeis and NYU, among other colleges and universities. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Hewlett Packard Consulting, SIAC, Arup Consulting and Adler Group, contributing to initiatives that spanned trading systems for the NYSE, national emergency response infrastructure and major transportation hubs including JFK and Penn Station.
“Cyber A.I. Group represents the future of intelligent Cybersecurity and I am honored to join its exceptional leadership team at such a transformative time,” said Mr. Epshteyn. “The opportunity to pioneer AI-driven innovation while delivering secure, scalable and adaptive solutions through CyberAI Sentinel 2.0 is one I greatly look forward to. Together, we can help enterprises navigate an increasingly complex digital threat landscape with confidence and resilience.”
Mr. Epshteyn holds a B.A. with honors in Cognitive Science and Computational Linguistics from Columbia University and completed graduate work at NYU’s Media Lab at the Tandon School of Engineering. He has developed custom software and data analysis tools, while also volunteering at NYU Tandon to mentor undergraduate engineering students. Through his appointment as Chief Innovation Officer, CyberAI strengthens its commitment to delivering next-generation, AI-powered Cybersecurity solutions to a global marketplace.
About Cyber A.I. Group, Inc.
Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI”) is a next-generation technology company pioneering the development of advanced proprietary platforms at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. With a mission to redefine how organizations protect, predict and respond to digital threats, CyberAI is positioning patent pending technologies that enable autonomous threat detection, adaptive risk mitigation and intelligent system resilience across enterprise and cloud environments as a low-cost alternative for small and medium-sized businesses. At the core of CyberAI’s innovation is a team of world-class technologists, data scientists and Cybersecurity experts dedicated to creating breakthrough solutions that are scalable, secure and globally deployable. The Company’s technologies are designed to address the most urgent and complex challenges facing today’s digital infrastructure, from AI-driven security orchestration to autonomous anomaly detection and predictive analytics for critical systems. CyberAI’s commitment to continuous innovation and deep IP development is positioning it at the critical intersection of AI and the global Cybersecurity landscape. By fusing Artificial Intelligence with real-world cyber defense expertise, the Company aims to set new standards for intelligent infrastructure protection and digital trust. For more information, please visit: cyberaigroup.io
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding growth plans, acquisitions, product commercialization, integration and prospective capital-markets activities. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. CyberAI undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
CTO Bryan Harris leads the company’s software development, with a focus on trustworthy AI
CARY, N.C., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has named Bryan Harris, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at data and AI company SAS, to his new AI Leadership Council. Established by Gov. Stein’s executive order on artificial intelligence, the council convenes elected and appointed officials and representatives from technology and academia to advise and support the Governor and state agencies on AI strategy, policy and training. The council is dedicated to achieving the state’s goals of fostering innovation, advancing AI-driven industries and preparing the North Carolina workforce for the evolving technological landscape.
SAS Chief Technology Officer Bryan Harris leads the company’s software development, with a focus on trustworthy AI
“AI has the potential to transform how we work and live, carrying with it both extraordinary opportunities and real risks,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state will be stronger if we are equipped to take on these challenges responsibly. I am looking forward to this council helping our state effectively deploy AI to enhance government operations, drive economic growth and improve North Carolinians’ lives.”
Harris brings over 25 years of experience in the enterprise software industry to his council role. At SAS, he is responsible for an award-winning software portfolio that empowers organizations with data and AI. He leads a global research and development (R&D) organization of nearly 4,000 people focusing on product design, engineering, advanced analytics and AI, industry solutions, modeling and quantum computing. Harris was also instrumental in the creation of the SAS Data Ethics Practice, which guides the company’s responsible innovation and trustworthy AI efforts.
“There are three key qualities that must be at the heart of trustworthy AI: speed, accuracy and consistency. When we instill these ambitions across communities, we empower people to unlock groundbreaking innovation and drive substantial economic growth,” said Harris. “I am honored to be a part of this effort in North Carolina alongside Governor Stein and accomplished civic and business leaders.”
Follow Bryan Harris and engage with him on LinkedIn.
Under Harris’ leadership, SAS launched the cloud-native SAS® Viya® platform and unified the entire portfolio across industry solutions and models. He is also known for his dedication to fostering a purpose-driven, inclusive culture within the R&D organization. He has led several initiatives to support professional growth and encourage cross-divisional collaboration, all of which contribute to SAS’ reputation as a top employer in the technology industry.
“As a proud native, I applaud Governor Stein’s efforts to keep North Carolina at the forefront of AI innovation,” said SAS CEO Jim Goodnight. “Bryan has been critical to rapidly integrating our proven AI capabilities with emerging technologies, while rooted in our commitment to doing so responsibly. I know Bryan will bring to the council the same creativity and wisdom that make him such a valued leader at SAS.”
Prior to joining SAS, Harris served as Chief Technology Officer at several distinguished companies, with his career spanning federal, commercial and intelligence industries. At every organization, he combines emerging business and technology trends with customer needs to ultimately drive product innovation and revenue growth. Additionally, he was awarded 15 worldwide patents on cybersecurity throughout his career.
About SAS SAS is a global leader in data and AI. With SAS software and industry-specific solutions, organizations transform data into trusted decisions. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.
