Meta, Google, and TikTok sue California AG over teen social media law

California social media platforms can no longer offer personalized feeds or autoplay videos to users under 16 without risking steep fines.

Meta, Google, and TikTok have filed lawsuits against California Attorney General Rob Bonta, challenging a new state law, AB 1709, designed to restrict "addictive" social media features for users under 16. Signed into law in September and set to take effect at the start of the new year, AB 1709 prohibits features like autoplay videos and personalized feeds for minors unless they opt out, with non-compliance leading to potential fines of up to $50,000 per affected user. The tech giants argue the law infringes on First Amendment rights, citing free speech concerns and Section 230 protections, asserting it compels them to alter or delete content for minors. California's law reflects a global trend aimed at improving teen mental health, though digital safety advocates warn it could lead to increased user data collection and privacy violations through mandatory age verification. Meta is already facing scrutiny, having previously agreed to a substantial settlement for children's safety claims.

The lawsuits filed by Meta, Google, and TikTok represent a significant legal challenge to state-level attempts to regulate online services for minors. By citing First Amendment and Section 230 protections, these companies are asserting their editorial control over content delivery and arguing that such laws overreach governmental authority. This legal strategy could set a precedent for how future content moderation and feature availability are determined, potentially impacting similar legislation in other states or countries.

Beyond free speech arguments, the companies also contend that AB 1709 could undermine existing parental controls and data privacy measures by necessitating broader data collection for age verification. This tension between legislative efforts to protect minors and tech companies' arguments about free expression and data privacy highlights a growing regulatory battlefield. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely influence the future landscape of online child safety regulations and the balance of power between governments and major technology platforms.