Google, Meta, TikTok sue to block California youth social media law

Google, Meta and TikTok have filed separate lawsuits seeking to stop California from enforcing Assembly Bill 1709, a law aimed at reducing social media addiction risks for children under 16. Set to take effect January 1, 2027, the law bars platforms from offering minors features deemed psychologically exploitative, including personalized content recommendations and autoplay video, and requires accounts using those features to be deleted. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the measure in September, framing child safety as a central responsibility in technology policy.

The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment by dictating how they may select and present content, and conflicts with Section 230, which generally limits platforms’ liability for user content. They say parents, not the state, should decide what children can access; Meta also contends California is targeting its editorial choices while leaving comparable services unrestricted. TikTok argues that speech cannot be suppressed simply because lawmakers consider it unsuitable for young people. California’s attorney general says the state will defend the law, while digital-rights critics warn it could threaten privacy and free expression. The cases add to broader disputes over youth safety: platforms face thousands of claims alleging that their services foster addiction and contribute to mental-health harms, and Meta recently agreed to major payments and limits on teen use in settlements with nearly all US states.