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California Tackles Social Media Addiction Among Youth

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New Law Targets ‘Addictive Feeds’ for Minors

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 976, known as the Protecting Our Kids From Social Media Addiction Act, into law. This legislation aims to limit the ability of social media companies to provide “addictive feeds” to minors without parental consent. Set to take effect on January 1, 2027, the bill represents a major step in safeguarding young users from the negative impacts of excessive social media use, positioning California at the forefront of tech regulation concerning child safety and digital well-being.

5 Key Points

  • SB 976 prohibits “addictive feeds” for minors without parental consent.
  • The law bans notifications to minors during late-night and school hours.
  • Social media platforms must display posts chronologically for minor users.
  • The bill has faced opposition from tech companies and civil liberties groups.
  • The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Youth Mental Health and Social Media Use

The passage of SB 976 comes amid increasing worries about mental health issues among youth, which many experts link to social media use. Governor Newsom highlighted the risks associated with social media addiction in children, including isolation from human contact, increased stress and anxiety, and countless hours spent online late into the night. The legislation has garnered support from a diverse coalition, including state Attorney General Rob Bonta, the Association of California School Administrators, Common Sense Media, and the California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Restrictions on Addictive Features

Under SB 976, internet services and applications will be prohibited from providing “addictive feeds” to minors without explicit parental consent. These feeds are defined as media curated based on information gathered from or provided by the user. Additionally, the bill bans companies from sending notifications to users identified as minors between midnight and 6 a.m., as well as during school hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., unless parents give their approval. The legislation will require social media platforms to display posts from people known to the child in chronological order rather than using algorithms designed to maximize engagement.

Critics Voice Concerns

While the bill has received strong support from child advocacy groups and many parents, it has also faced opposition from an unusual coalition of organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union of California, Equality California, and associations representing major social media companies have voiced concerns about the legislation. Critics raise several points of contention, including privacy concerns related to age verification processes, potential infringement on First Amendment rights, and the possibility that the law could limit access to supportive online communities for LGBTQ+ youth who may live in hostile environments.

California’s Ongoing Tech Regulation Efforts

SB 976 is part of a broader effort by California lawmakers to regulate social media companies and protect young users. This legislative action comes after a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bonta’s office and 32 other states against Meta in October. The lawsuit alleges that Meta intentionally designed its apps to addict young users while misleading the public about the adverse effects of its platforms. The new law also follows previous attempts to hold social media companies accountable, including a failed bill that would have made companies liable for up to $250,000 in damages if they knowingly promoted features harmful to children.

Adapting to New Regulations

As the January 1, 2027 implementation date approaches, social media companies must adapt their platforms to comply with the new regulations, potentially reshaping how youth engage with social media in California and beyond. The law’s passage marks a significant milestone in the ongoing debate over balancing social media’s benefits with the need to protect vulnerable young users from its potential harms.

FAQ

Q: Do you qualify for a social media lawsuit?

A: To see if you qualify, click here.

Q: When will the new California social media law take effect?

A: The law will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Q: What are “addictive feeds” as defined by the law?

A: “Addictive feeds” are defined as media curated based on information gathered on or provided by the user.

Q: Does the law ban entirely social media use by minors?

A: No, it requires parental consent for certain features and restricts notifications during specific hours.

Q: Who supports this legislation?

A: Supporters include Governor Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and groups like the California School Administrators Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Q: What are the main concerns of those opposing the bill?

A: Opponents worry about privacy issues with age verification, potential First Amendment infringements, and limited access to supportive online communities for some youth.

Citations

Luna, T. (2024, September 20). Newsom signs California bill to limit ‘addictive’ social media feeds for kids. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-09-20/newsom-to-sign-california-bill-to-limit-addictive-social-media-feeds-for-kids

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