OpenAI, Anthropic face new oversight as New York’s AI safety law takes effect

New York's AI safety law, the RAISE Act, takes effect on January 1, 2027, requiring major AI developers like OpenAI and Anthropic to register, disclose safety practices, and report critical incidents. The law also establishes the Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity, and Trust (DIGIT) to oversee large frontier AI labs and impose fines of up to $3 million for non-compliance. The state has also launched the New York Center for AI Responsibility and Research to evaluate the safety and operation of advanced AI systems. The law aims to hold tech companies accountable for the consequences of their AI development, with Governor Kathy Hochul stating that the law prioritizes communities and people over powerful technology. The state has already enforced a similar law requiring AI companion operators to inform users about their data collection practices.