Google, Meta, TikTok sue to block California youth social media law

Google, Meta Platforms, and TikTok have filed lawsuits in an attempt to prevent the enforcement of California's Assembly Bill 1709, a new state law designed to restrict potentially addictive features on social media platforms for minors. The law, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, prohibits social media platforms from offering under-16 users features such as personalized recommendations and autoplay videos, which could lead to compulsive use.

It also mandates the deletion of children's accounts that possess these features. The tech giants argue that the law infringes upon their First Amendment rights, as well as Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, which provides broad immunity from liability for user-generated content. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who enforces the state's laws, is currently reviewing the lawsuits.

The law was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 10, 2022, emphasizing the importance of children's safety in the realm of technology.