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Meta, Google, and TikTok sue California AG over teen social media law
Policy2 min read
Meta, Google, and TikTok have sued California's Attorney General to block a new state law. The law limits features like autoplay videos and personalized feeds for teens under 16.
What happened
Meta, Google, and TikTok each filed lawsuits against California Attorney General Rob Bonta. They want a law called AB 1709 stopped before it takes effect. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law in September. It is set to start at the beginning of the new year. The law bans autoplay videos and personalized feeds for users under 16. Platforms must also delete the accounts of these users if they do not turn those features off.
Key facts
- Platforms that do not follow the law could face fines of up to $50,000 per affected user under 16.
- Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle children's safety claims brought by 29 U.S. states.
- In December 2025, Australia became the first country to ban social media for users under 16 altogether.
- France passed a similar law, but its top court struck it down over free expression concerns.
Why the law exists
Many countries are trying to limit teen social media use. Lawmakers hope this will improve teen mental health. Digital safety experts warn that these laws can hurt everyone's privacy. For example, age checks can require platforms to collect more personal data from all users, including adults.
Why it matters
The companies say the law breaks their First Amendment rights to free speech and their right to choose how to show content. They also say Section 230, a US law that protects platforms from some legal claims, overrides the state law. TikTok says that sorting content by user preferences is a common practice, like bookstores and TV networks use. A privacy group, EFF, says the law cuts teens off from useful information and activism. The outcome could shape how social media is regulated for young users across the country.
What to watch
- Whether a court blocks AB 1709 before it takes effect at the start of the new year.
- How Attorney General Bonta's office responds. It said it is reviewing the filings.
- How platforms change their features for users under 16 if the law stays in place.
- Whether other countries and states follow Australia's or France's approach.
Glossary
- AB 1709
- A California law that limits autoplay videos and personalized feeds for users under 16.
- Section 230
- A US law that shields online platforms from some legal responsibility for content posted by users.
- First Amendment
- The part of the US Constitution that protects free speech and other rights.
- EFF
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a group that works to protect privacy and online freedom.