California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Friday that will make it illegal for social media platforms to provide addictive content to children without parental consent starting in 2027. The law follows similar legislation passed in New York earlier this year and aims to protect children from the harmful effects of social media addiction. The law will prohibit platforms from sending notifications to minors during specific hours and requires children’s accounts to be set to private by default.
The California law defines an “addictive feed” as a website or app that prioritizes user-generated content based on user-provided information. This definition aims to prevent platforms from exploiting children’s susceptibility to addictive behaviors. Supporters of the law argue that social media companies have designed their platforms to addict users, especially children. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has also called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms to inform users about the impacts on young people.
Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns that it could hinder adults’ access to content if they cannot verify their age. They also argue that the law may threaten online privacy by forcing platforms to collect more information on users. However, lawmakers in California believe that protecting children from the harms of social media addiction is a priority and have taken steps to address the issue. The legislation is part of a broader effort in states across the country to regulate social media platforms and their impact on children.
State Senator Nancy Skinner, who authored the California law, emphasized the responsibility of lawmakers to protect children when social media companies fail to act. The law restricts social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during specific hours and requires accounts to be set to private by default. The legislation aims to address the negative consequences of social media addiction, such as isolation, stress, and wasted time. By setting specific limitations on platform usage for children, lawmakers hope to mitigate these impacts.
The California law will go into effect in a state that is home to some of the largest technology companies in the world. Similar proposals have failed to pass in recent years, but Newsom signed a first-in-the-nation law in 2022 that prohibited online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. The passage of the legislation reflects a growing recognition of the negative effects of social media on children’s well-being and the need for regulation to protect them. The law signals a shift towards holding social media platforms accountable for their impact on young users and working to ensure their safety and well-being.
