California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new bill into law Monday that aims to enhance online safety by creating barriers for AI tech developers.

Senate Bill 53, also known as the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act (TFAIA), has a goal of promoting the development and enhancement of new technology while protecting the freedom and safety of internet users. The legislation requires AI companies to disclose publicly the safety protocols that the companies use when they meet a “frontier” barrier. Companies will face “frontier” barriers when a huge amount of power is required to complete an AI computation. The protocols are meant to guard against activities that could cause mass destruction or mayhem, such as large-scale hacking projects.

In a statement, Newsom emphasized his goal for continuing to make California one of the world’s leaders in AI tech development:

California has proven that we can establish regulations to protect our communities while also ensuring that the growing AI industry continues to thrive. This legislation strikes that balance. AI is the new frontier in innovation, and California is not only here for it–but stands strong as a national leader by enacting the first-in-the-nation frontier AI safety legislation that builds public trust as this emerging technology rapidly evolves.

The new legislation received anticipated backlash from AI companies, many of which argued that AI legislation should be conducted at the federal level.

The statement is in line with Newsom’s previous stated goal for California to be a world leader in AI technology. Earlier this year, Newsom asked AI developers to put together a report on AI in California for California’s First in the Nation Report. The report helped solidify California’s top ranking as a national leader in ethical and responsible AI.