Google Meta and TikTok sue California over child safety law

Google, Meta, and TikTok have filed separate lawsuits against California to block a state law aimed at shielding children under 16 from addictive social media features, according to Euronews, the New York Post, The Guardian, and The New York Times. The New York Post reported that the three companies filed separate federal lawsuits on Wednesday against California Attorney General Rob Bonta. [1][2][4][7]

The Guardian and Euronews both reported that Assembly Bill 1709 prohibits platforms from offering children under 16 features such as endless scrolling, addictive feeds, auto-played videos, and personal recommendations. Euronews reported that the legislation takes effect on 1 January 2027, while the New York Post reported that the law takes effect on 1 January without specifying the year. The New York Post also reported that Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation on 10 September. [1][2][4]

The tech companies contend that the state measure violates their First Amendment rights by dictating how they display content, according to Euronews, the New York Post, and The Guardian. The New York Post reported that the companies also argue the law is preempted by federal Section 230 protections and unlawfully attempts to control the role of editor, curator, and parent for online youth. [1][2][4]

The lawsuits follow broader legal scrutiny over platform safety for minors. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Meta and Snap face a landmark jury trial in Los Angeles over alleged harms to young users, alongside thousands of lawsuits filed across American and European courts regarding social media risks to children. [15]