Tech Lobbyists Go After California Social Media Law

California’s new social media addiction law has sparked legal challenges from tech giants.

At a Glance

An industry group representing tech leaders has filed a lawsuit in California over a law aimed at curbing social media addiction among youth.
The law, SB976, restricts notifications during certain hours and requires age verification by 2027.
NetChoice argues the law forces companies to track minors, claiming First Amendment violations.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasizes the law’s focus on children’s well-being.

Tech Industry’s Legal Battle

An influential group representing large tech corporations, NetChoice, has initiated a legal battle against California’s newly enacted law, SB976, signed on September 20. The law was introduced with intentions to mitigate the influence of social media addiction among minors. NetChoice includes prominent members such as Google, Amazon, and Meta. They argue that the law imposes unconstitutional mandates that infringe on the First Amendment by restricting the access to personalized online content for both minors and adults.

The lawsuit claims that SB976 demands tech firms track underage users and submit reports to the government, a point contested by the bill’s author, Nancy Skinner. Skinner defends the bill, suggesting there’s no requirement for surrendering explicit user information. However, the law’s language, focusing on “addictive internet-based service,” has been criticized as too vague. The tech lobby’s stance raises debates about maintaining privacy while protecting youth.

A tech industry group is once again suing California over a social media law https://t.co/ZQkbWuxfLi

— The Sacramento Bee (@sacbee_news) November 13, 2024

Provisions of SB976

SB976 seeks to shield young users from excessive engagement with social media and its potentially harmful effects. The legislation prohibits “addictive feeds” for minors unless there is parental consent and requires age verification by 2027. Moreover, it restricts notifications during night and school hours without parental approval. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside other states, has taken measures against platforms like Meta, who allegedly target minors to develop addictive habits.

NetChoice contends that the law infringes on social media companies’ ability to offer personalized content, thus impacting expressive activity online. They argue this overreach results in an imbalance between safeguarding young users and protecting free speech. The definition of “addictive internet-based service” in SB976 also faces scrutiny for its broadness, adding weight to the lawsuit filed in federal court.

Governor Newsom’s Vision and Broader Implications

Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed the need for legislative action that addresses the well-documented dangers posed by social media. Inspired by reports from institutions like the APA that underscore the vulnerabilities of young social media users, Newsom’s administration advocates for further precautions, including potential regulations similar to cigarette warning labels proposed by Bonta.

On a federal level, potential legislative solutions such as COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act reflect the growing recognition of social media’s risks to children nationwide. Such initiatives highlight a concerted effort to devise balanced solutions that both enhance youth safety online and respect constitutional rights. As tech lobbyists press on with their legal resistance against California’s law, the case’s outcome may cast long shadows on future legislative endeavors safeguarding young internet users.