Daily briefing
October 2, 2026
2 stories · about 2 minutes
arXiv limits researchers to two papers a month as AI drives submissions to a record
The preprint server got 40,363 submissions in September, double two years ago, and its volunteer moderators can't keep up. Starting October 1, every submitter gets two submissions a month.
- arXiv now limits every submitter to two submissions per calendar month, with no more than three active submissions at once, starting October 1, 2026.
- arXiv received a record 40,363 submissions in September 2026, generating almost 9,000 support tickets; submissions doubled in two years.
- arXiv says AI tools are helping drive the surge, including thin papers, 'salami' papers split into pieces, and dense AI-written papers.
- Rejected submissions count toward the limit, and the rule applies across all categories; arXiv calls it a stopgap.
Why it matters: arXiv now limits every submitter to two papers a month and three active submissions at a time, starting October 1, 2026. The preprint server received a record 40,363 submissions in September, double the level of two years ago, which it partly blames on AI tools. Rejected papers count toward the limit. arXiv calls the rule a stopgap while it rethinks moderation.
Read the full story →California will fine robotaxi companies that block first responders for over 30 minutes
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1246, which requires robotaxi operators like Waymo, Tesla and Zoox to send on-site help when their cars cause problems, and to keep remote drivers in the US.
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1246, setting new rules for robotaxis that break down or get in the way of police and firefighters in California.
- Robotaxi companies can be fined when a vehicle blocks first responders during an emergency for more than 30 minutes.
- Companies must provide on-site 'local incident technicians' and tell local governments where their cars are during system-wide failures.
- Remote drivers must be based in the US and hold a US driver's license; the law takes effect in July 2028.
Why it matters: Governor Gavin Newsom signed California's SB 1246, which lets local authorities fine robotaxi companies when a car blocks first responders for more than 30 minutes. Operators like Waymo, Tesla and Zoox must provide on-site technicians and keep remote drivers in the US. The law takes effect in July 2028, and California's DMV will set the required response times.
Read the full story →