Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 47 mins ago
Meta, Google and TikTok sue to block California teen social media law
Meta, Google and TikTok have sued California to stop a new social media law aimed at protecting children.
The law, AB 1709, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and is due to take effect on January 1, 2027.
It would bar platforms from offering personalized feeds, endless scrolling and autoplay videos to users under 16, and require accounts using those features to be deleted unless platforms turn them off.
The companies argue the restrictions violate free speech rights and federal law protecting platforms’ choices about how to organize and recommend content.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office says it is reviewing the lawsuits and is committed to defending the law.
The cases will determine whether California can enforce these limits on social media features for young users.
The dispute comes as platforms face other legal challenges over claims that their services can encourage compulsive use by young people.
Google, Meta and TikTok filed separate lawsuits seeking to block California’s AB 1709, a law restricting certain social media features for users under 16.
The companies argue the law violates free-speech protections and conflicts with Section 230 of federal law.
AB 1709 would restrict features including personalized feeds and autoplay, and is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The companies say the restrictions interfere with their choices about how to present content and with young users’ access to tailored material.
Supporters say the law is intended to protect children online, while critics warn that age checks could threaten users’ privacy.
- Who
- Google, Meta and TikTok filed the lawsuits against California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
- What
- The companies seek to block AB 1709, which restricts certain social media features for users under 16.
- When
- The lawsuits were filed on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
- Where
- California.
- Why
- The companies argue the law violates free-speech protections and conflicts with Section 230. California says it is committed to defending laws that protect children online.
Google, Meta and TikTok
California and supporters of AB 1709
Free speech
Google, Meta and TikTok
The companies argue the law restricts their editorial choices about how to organize and present content, infringing their First Amendment rights.
California and supporters of AB 1709
Supporters say the law sets safeguards to protect children online.
Platform features
Google, Meta and TikTok
The companies say personalized recommendations and autoplay can provide relevant, age-appropriate or useful experiences for young users.
California and supporters of AB 1709
AB 1709 would restrict features deemed addictive, including personalized feeds and autoplay, for users under 16.
Purpose and impact
Google, Meta and TikTok
The companies say the law would limit young users’ access to curated content and interfere with parents’ choices.
California and supporters of AB 1709
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal said the law implements safeguards that California families want and puts children’s safety first.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1709 into law.
Google, Meta and TikTok filed separate lawsuits against California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
AB 1709 is scheduled to take effect.
- Companies suing
- Google, Meta and TikTok
- Law
- AB 1709, also called the Digital Age Assurance Act
- Affected users
- People under 16
- Examples of restricted features
- Personalized feeds and autoplay
- Maximum stated penalty
- Up to $50,000 per affected user under 16
- Scheduled start date
- January 1, 2027
7 sources
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What people are saying
Our office is committed to defending California's commonsense laws to protect kids online
They're framing this as a free speech fight, but what's really at stake is a business model that profits from keeping kids scrolling, even when it puts them at risk
AB 1709 is a blatantly unconstitutional restriction on free expression that erodes the long-standing and protected practice of curating content based on user preferences, which book stores, TV networks and streaming services all use.
It’s just a continuation of Meta’s fight to addict children for profit.