California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a comprehensive package of technology regulations aimed at protecting minors from social media and artificial intelligence platforms. The legislation includes a dozen bills targeting major tech companies like Meta and OpenAI, with provisions that would effectively restrict social media access for users under 16 years old. This move aligns California with countries such as Australia, which implemented similar restrictions, though enforcement has proven challenging in practice.
Two primary bills—AB 1709 and AB 2—form the centerpiece of California’s new protections. AB 1709 prohibits social media platforms from allowing minors under 16 to access features designed to be habit-forming, including algorithmic feeds and automatic video playback. Companies must verify user ages before offering these services. Under AB 2, platforms face significant financial penalties ranging from $5,000 to $1 million per affected child. Additionally, a measure known as Adam’s Law requires artificial intelligence chatbot developers to conduct annual safety assessments and submit to independent audits, named after a teenager who died by suicide following interactions with ChatGPT.
Child safety advocates have celebrated the legislation as a major victory after years of advocacy efforts. However, civil liberties organizations express concerns about potential impacts on free speech and privacy rights. The Electronic Frontier Foundation characterized AB 1709 as “deeply flawed,” warning it could create privacy and censorship issues. The laws are scheduled to take effect next year, marking California’s most aggressive stance on tech regulation to date.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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