Technology
Google, Meta and TikTok sue California over child social media addiction law
The Guardian reports that Google, Meta and TikTok filed separate lawsuits seeking to block California's Assembly Bill 1709, a law restricting addictive features for children under 16.
The short version
- Google, Meta and TikTok have sued California to block Assembly Bill 1709, a law aimed at addiction risk for children under 16.[The Guardian]
- The law bars platforms from offering under-16 users psychologically exploitative features, such as personal recommendations and autoplay.[The Guardian]
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law on September 10, and it takes effect January 1, 2027, unless a judge voids or pauses it.[The Guardian]
- Whether a court blocks the law is unresolved, and no court ruling is reported yet.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Google, Meta and TikTok sued California to block enforcement of Assembly Bill 1709, a state law intended to limit addiction risk for children under 16.[The Guardian]
- Assembly Bill 1709 bars platforms from offering underage children psychologically exploitative features that could lead to compulsive use, such as personal recommendations and autoplay.[The Guardian]
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law on September 10.[The Guardian]
- The law takes effect January 1, 2027, unless a judge voids it or puts it on hold.[The Guardian]
- Google filed its lawsuit in federal court in San Jose, Meta sued in San Francisco, and TikTok sued in Los Angeles.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- No court ruling on the lawsuits is reported, so whether the law takes effect as scheduled is unknown.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Google, Meta and TikTok sue California to block law protecting children from addiction riskThe Guardian - World
- Companies sue California over law designed to protect children from social media harmABC News - Business
- Meta, Google, and TikTok sue California AG over teen social media lawTechCrunch
- Google, Meta and TikTok sue California over law designed to protect children from social media harmsAssociated Press