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

Google, Meta Platforms, and TikTok have filed lawsuits in an attempt to prevent California from enforcing Assembly Bill 1709, a law aimed at limiting potentially addictive features on social media platforms for individuals under 16. The law prohibits platforms from offering minors psychologically exploitative features, such as personalized recommendations and autoplay videos, which could lead to compulsive use.

It also mandates the deletion of children's accounts if these features are present. The companies argue that the law infringes upon their First Amendment rights and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields them from liability over user content. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who enforces the state's laws, is the sole defendant in the case.

The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 10, is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, unless a judge intervenes. Companies such as Google, Meta, and TikTok are facing numerous lawsuits from individuals, school districts, and other entities alleging they contributed to a mental health crisis among children due to addictive content.