Photo: IMEN BEN YOUSSEF / AFP / Getty Images
Tech giants Google, Meta, and TikTok have filed lawsuits against California Attorney General Rob Bonta to block a new law aimed at protecting children from social media risks. The law, Assembly Bill 1709, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September and is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. It prohibits platforms from offering features like autoplay and personalized feeds to users under 16, according to The Independent.
The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment's free speech protections and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields platforms from liability for user content. Euronews reports that the lawsuits were filed in federal courts in San Jose, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Google spokesperson José Castañeda stated, "Overly broad laws like this actually break the systems we’ve built to help kids find high-quality, age-appropriate videos." Meta contends that the law infringes on its editorial judgments, while TikTok calls it "a blatantly unconstitutional restriction on free expression."
The office of Attorney General Bonta is reviewing the legal challenges and remains committed to defending the law, which aims to protect children online. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of children's safety in discussions about technology, stating that California "will not stand by while unregulated technology puts our children at risk."
The law's implementation could be delayed if a judge voids it or puts it on hold. Meanwhile, the companies face ongoing scrutiny over the impact of their platforms on children's mental health, with numerous lawsuits alleging that they contribute to issues like anxiety and depression, as noted by Insurance Journal.