We All Deserve a Better Internet, Not A Smaller One
Bans Like California’s Don’t Fix What’s Wrong With Social Media Companies SAN FRANCISCO - Technology and the laws that regulate it should support and empower young people. California’s AB 1709 - signed into law today by Gov. Gavin Newsom - falls far short of this goal, say the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and its allies. Using technology is how we learn and build community in today’s…
California's new law AB 1709, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to limit social media access for individuals under 16. However, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and its allies argue that such a ban actually harms young people, rather than protecting them. The law effectively cuts minors off from essential online resources and communities that provide safety and support, particularly for those already facing challenges.
These online spaces are crucial for LGBTQ+ families, whose ability to connect and access information is directly impacted by this legislation. Moreover, age-gating measures force companies to collect even more personal data, further entrenching power in the hands of tech corporations and undermining privacy rights. Instead of enacting such restrictive bans, EFF advocates for robust privacy laws that prioritize the well-being of all users in the AI era.
Young people should have the opportunity to utilize technology safely and productively, and California should lead the way by implementing comprehensive, rights-focused legislative solutions rather than undermining digital access for minors.
Written by urgent.news from EFF Deeplinks's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
