California enacts new curbs on social media for children

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation on September 10 that imposes stringent restrictions on social media platforms targeting children under 16. The law, dubbed "Adam's Law" in memory of a deceased 16-year-old boy, bans exposure to behaviorally addictive features on social media and prohibits toys featuring AI companion chatbots.

This package of 13 bills, enacted under Newsom's leadership, also enhances online privacy protections for minors, expands criminal penalties for child sexual abuse material, and mandates parental controls on chatbot programs and safety assessments. Newsom hailed these regulations as the most comprehensive of their kind in the nation, aimed at safeguarding young people's well-being from technology that could exploit their vulnerabilities.

The legislation comes amid a growing trend of U.S. states taking action to curb what experts deem psychologically exploitative features in social media, such as infinite-scroll feeds and algorithmic autoplay, which have been linked to compulsive use and mental health issues among teenagers. While the bill garners bipartisan support, critics argue it imposes undue limitations on young people's internet access, with some groups warning it could infringe on privacy and free speech rights.