Technology
EFF urges California Governor Newsom to veto social media restrictions
The digital rights group warns that Assembly Bill 1709 would limit online access for youth under 16 and compromise user privacy.
The short version
- The California legislature has passed Assembly Bill 1709, which seeks to restrict social media features for users under the age of 16.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has formally urged Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the legislation, arguing it acts as a functional ban on youth social media use.
- The bill, which could take effect in January, faces criticism for potentially requiring invasive age-verification measures and infringing on free expression.
Key facts
- The California legislature passed Assembly Bill 1709, which limits social media platforms from offering recommendation algorithms and basic interactive features to users under 16.[Hacker News]
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to veto the measure.[Hacker News]
- If signed into law, the restrictions are scheduled to take effect in January.[Hacker News]
- The EFF argues the bill will force platforms to implement invasive age-verification methods, such as uploading government IDs or using biometric scans, which could expose users to data breaches.[Hacker News]
- The EFF also contends that AB 1709 conflicts with existing California legislation, specifically AB 1043 and SB 976.[Hacker News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether Governor Newsom will sign the bill into law or exercise his veto power.[Hacker News]