Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok have filed separate lawsuits against California authorities, seeking to block a new law designed to protect children under 16 from potentially addictive features on social media platforms.
The legal challenges target Assembly Bill 1709, which prohibits social media companies from exposing children to features considered psychologically exploitative, including personalised content recommendations and automatic video playback.
The legislation also requires platforms to delete accounts belonging to children that continue to provide the prohibited features. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the measure on September 10, with implementation scheduled for January 1, 2027.
According to Reuters, the three technology companies argue that the restrictions violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects freedom of speech, and conflict with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Google, which owns YouTube, filed its lawsuit in San Jose, while Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta brought its case in San Francisco. TikTok filed its challenge in Los Angeles.
The companies maintain that decisions concerning children’s online activities should primarily rest with parents rather than state authorities.
Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda warned that broad restrictions could interfere with existing systems designed to help younger users discover appropriate educational and entertainment content.
Meta argued that California was attempting to interfere with its editorial decisions concerning how billions of social media posts are organised and displayed to users.
TikTok similarly maintained that constitutional protections prevent authorities from suppressing lawful content simply because lawmakers consider it unsuitable for younger audiences.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office confirmed that it was reviewing the lawsuits and pledged to defend the state’s child protection legislation.
The legal confrontation comes amid growing international scrutiny of social media companies over allegations that their platforms encourage compulsive use among children and contribute to mental health problems.
In August, Meta agreed to settlements worth up to $18 billion with nearly all US states over allegations involving children’s privacy and social media addiction. The company and other major platforms continue to face thousands of lawsuits brought by families, schools and government authorities.
Australia has also introduced restrictions on social media access for children under 16, reflecting increasing pressure on technology companies to strengthen protections for younger users.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights organisation, has criticised California’s legislation over concerns about privacy and freedom of expression, highlighting the competing interests surrounding online child protection.
The lawsuits now place California’s regulatory approach before federal courts, with the outcome potentially influencing similar legislation elsewhere in the United States.
Unless a court intervenes, the restrictions will take effect at the beginning of 2027.
