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California governor signs measures regulating youth social media and AI chatbots

The legislation bars companies from offering addictive feeds to users under age 16.

The short version

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom signed measures aimed at protecting youth from social media and AI chatbots.[Engadget · ABC News]
  • Under the laws, tech companies cannot provide potentially addictive features to minors under 16.[Engadget]
  • The Electronic Frontier Foundation described the social media measure as a functional ban for teens.[Engadget]
  • Meta expressed concern that restrictions on feeds hinder its ability to deliver enjoyable content.[ABC News]

Key facts

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation designed to protect young users from social media and AI chatbots.[Engadget · ABC News]
  • The enacted rules bar social media platforms from providing addictive features to individuals under 16 years of age.[Engadget]
  • The Electronic Frontier Foundation characterized the social media legislation as an effective ban for teenagers.[Engadget]
  • Meta contended that restricting addictive feeds limits its capacity to provide enjoyable platform experiences.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.