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California's AI Regulation Ballot Measures Spark Controversy

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

In California, Alexander Oldham filed two controversial ballot measures to create regulatory bodies for AI companies, with OpenAI singled out by critics.
Oldham says the measures are not aimed at any specific firm.
Critics point to claims of familial ties between Alexander Oldham and Zoe Blumenfeld, Anthropic's communications head.
Signature-gathering for ballot measures can be costly, and Silicon Valley insiders question Oldham's motivations, legitimacy, and intent.

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Story summary

In California, Alexander Oldham filed two controversial ballot measures to create regulatory bodies for AI companies, with OpenAI singled out by critics.
Oldham says the measures are not aimed at any specific firm.
Critics point to claims of familial ties between Alexander Oldham and Zoe Blumenfeld, Anthropic's communications head.
Signature-gathering for ballot measures can be costly, and Silicon Valley insiders question Oldham's motivations, legitimacy, and intent.