Governor Newsom Signs Student-Backed Digital Literacy Bills Alongside Misguided Bans
Governor Newsom signed a package of 12 bills yesterday aimed at “protecting children” online. One of them was AB 1709 , which EFF has opposed this legislative session and serves as a functional ban on young people under 16 using social media. However, EFF supported two of the bills signed into law, AB 2071 and AB 2298 , which require that children learn critical digital literacy and cybersecurity…
Governor Newsom recently signed a set of 12 bills focusing on "protecting children" online. Among these bills was AB 1709, which the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) had previously opposed. However, the organization backed two other bills, AB 2071 and AB 2298, that emphasize digital literacy and cybersecurity for minors. These two bills offer an affirmative and constitutional approach to addressing online safety concerns without infringing on the First Amendment.
Unlike blanket bans, A.B. 2071 and A.B. 2298 promote education over prohibition. The internet plays a crucial role in various aspects of young people's lives, including civic engagement, education, self-expression, and community building, particularly for those who might not have adequate support otherwise. Hence, promoting digital safety through preparation rather than isolation is essential.
Studies consistently indicate that open, honest discussions about digital literacy and privacy with trusted adults are far more effective at safeguarding youth than restrictive censorship laws. Young people themselves have recognized this need; A.B. 2071 was co-authored by students advocating for better resources to navigate their digital lives securely.
A.B. 2071 and A.B. 2298 address essential gaps in California's school curriculum by providing students with practical skills. A.B. 2071 integrates digital wellness into health classes at middle and high schools, teaching students to recognize unhealthy tech habits, protect their personal safety, and assess digital content, including AI-generated media, for credibility and bias.
In contrast, A.B. 2298 incorporates cybersecurity concepts into recommended school curricula, teaching young people to shield their personal data from online threats. While the state's growing inclination towards social media bans remains an ill-advised policy, the approval and enactment of A.B. 2071 and A.B. 2298 demonstrate the existence of more effective alternatives.
Legislators should abandon censorship as a quick fix and instead concentrate on constitutional, empowering solutions that empower youth to flourish online.
Written by urgent.news from EFF Deeplinks's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
