Google, Meta, TikTok sue over social media law

Google, Meta, and TikTok have jointly filed lawsuits against California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, in an attempt to prevent a new state law from becoming effective. The bill, AB 1709, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, seeks to limit social media platforms from providing "addictive features" to users under the age of 16. These features are described as psychologically exploitative and designed to maximize engagement, often resulting in compulsive use.

The platforms argue that the law infringes upon their free speech rights and Section 230, a federal law from 1996 that generally shields online platforms from liability related to user content. Google specifically claims that its YouTube service personalizes content recommendations to ensure young users receive age-appropriate and relevant information, and that disabling features like autoplay would hinder their ability to provide safe and enriching experiences to under-16 users.

Meta, on the other hand, contends that barring personalized feeds and autoplay would prevent them from disseminating speech to minors entirely. The advocacy group Heat Initiative, representing former child influencers, counters that the companies' arguments are really about defending a business model that profits from keeping children engaged on social media, even at the expense of their well-being.

California's Attorney General's office is currently reviewing the lawsuits and has stated its commitment to defending the state's law aimed at protecting young users online.