WORLDTECHGoogle, Meta and TikTok sue California over law aimed at shielding children
According to a report by Engadget, citing Reuters, Google, Meta and TikTok are challenging a recent California law meant to shield children from some of the most harmful aspects of social media. The three companies have each filed suits at separate courts across the state.
What the law demands
Assembly Bill 1709 is one piece of a larger package that Governor Gavin Newsom introduced earlier this year. It obliges platforms to strip out what the legislation describes as psychologically exploitative features aimed at underage users, meaning those capable of leading to compulsive use.
The reporting cites examples such as videos that play on automatically and personalised recommendations served to children under 16. Should the law take effect next year as planned, it would limit social media access for children under 16.
The companies' legal objections
The three firms contend that the statute conflicts with the First Amendment and with Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, a provision frequently relied on to protect technology companies from liability.
Meta, in its complaint, argued that the state cannot, consistent with the First Amendment, override its editorial judgments.
Wider stakes for regulation
The lawsuits expose the friction between state regulation and the independence of technology firms, a dispute that could influence how digital content reaches audiences. According to the report, some organisations side with the companies.
Google is an internet and software company based in Mountain View.
Open questions
- Which courts will hear the separate suits, and how quickly will they reach a ruling?
- Will the law still take effect next year while the challenges proceed?