Meta, Google and TikTok Sue to Block California Law Protecting Minors on Social Media
The law, which goes into effect in 2027, prohibits tech companies from offering addictive feeds, endless scrolling and autoplayed videos to kids under 16 The post Meta, Google and TikTok Sue to Block California Law Protecting Minors on Social Media appeared first on TheWrap .
Three major tech companies—Google, Meta, and TikTok—have filed separate lawsuits in an attempt to prevent California from implementing a law aimed at safeguarding minors from addictive behavior on social media platforms. The companies contend that the law infringes upon their First Amendment rights and Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which they maintain protect their rights to organize, recommend, and present third-party content to users.
California's Assembly Bill 1709, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, prohibits personalized feeds, endless scrolling, and autoplay for users under the age of 16, requiring platforms to delete these accounts and associated personal information of such users.
Each of the tech giants filed their lawsuits in federal courts in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose, California. Google's lawsuit specifically targets YouTube, arguing that under-16 users would be deprived of tailored video content aligned with their interests, preferences, and developmental needs, leading to the potential loss of valuable content.
TikTok asserts that the law is an "unconstitutional restriction on free expression" that undermines the practice of curating content based on user preferences, a practice employed by bookstores, TV networks, and streaming services. The companies' lawsuits come amid a rise in lawsuits concerning social media addiction. In August, Meta settled an $18 billion trial related to teenager addiction claims.
TikTok reached a settlement with Alabama for at least $100 million over its addictive features in September. California Attorney General Rob Bonta is named as a defendant in all three lawsuits, with his office stating that they are reviewing the filings and committed to defending state laws to protect children online. A judge denied a preliminary injunction request by TikTok, Meta, YouTube, and Google in August, aiming to prevent California from enforcing the social media safety law.
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