By Islam El-Sakka
Google, Meta Platforms, and TikTok have filed separate federal lawsuits seeking to block a new California law that restricts social media features for users under 16, arguing the measure violates constitutional free speech protections.
Lawsuits Challenge Assembly Bill 1709
The legislation, known as Assembly Bill 1709, prohibits platforms from exposing minors to "psychologically exploitative features" that drive compulsive use, including algorithmic recommendations and autoplaying videos. It also requires the removal of accounts for young users that incorporate such tools. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill on September 10, and it is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, unless a court intervenes.
Companies Cite First Amendment, Section 230
In complaints filed Wednesday, the companies said the law compels them to adopt California's preferred method of presenting content to children, overriding parental choice. They argue the statute infringes on First Amendment guarantees and on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content. A Google spokesperson, Jose Castaneda, said overly broad laws break systems designed to help children find age-appropriate videos. Meta contended California cannot override its editorial judgments while leaving children free to use other platforms with similar services. TikTok argued protected speech cannot be suppressed solely to shield young people from ideas a legislative body deems unsuitable.
California Defends Law
The office of Attorney General Rob Bonta, the sole defendant tasked with enforcement, said Thursday it is reviewing the challenges and remains committed to defending what it called commonsense laws to protect children online. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights group, described the law as a "massive privacy and free speech nightmare."
Broader Context
The California measure joins a wave of state and international efforts to regulate children's social media use, including an Australian ban for users under 16. In August, Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion and limit teenage use of Facebook and Instagram under settlements with nearly all U.S. states over privacy and consumer protection allegations. The companies, along with Snapchat parent Snap, still face thousands of lawsuits from individuals, school districts, and governments alleging they designed products to addict children and caused a mental health crisis.
