SAN FRANCISCO: California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law restricting social media companies from providing addictive features to users under 16, as the US state steps up efforts to protect children from potential online harms.
Newsom signed more than a dozen laws addressing children’s online safety during a ceremony near San Francisco on Thursday. The new social media law does not impose a complete ban on platforms for users under 16, but instead targets features that can encourage prolonged and compulsive use.
The legislation defines addictive features as those that are “psychologically exploitative” and restricts social media companies from providing children with functions including infinite scrolling, algorithmic recommendations and autoplay.
“This is about the features themselves,” Newsom said, arguing that California’s approach directly addresses the design elements that can encourage excessive social media use.
Addictive social media features
Newsom contrasted California’s approach with Australia, which introduced a law preventing people under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
Early reports have raised questions about the effectiveness of Australia’s restrictions. A government report published in July found that enforcement remained inconsistent and that many children and teenagers continued to access social media.
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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it was committed to providing teenagers with safe and age-appropriate experiences with appropriate safeguards.
Meta has already agreed to adopt a similar approach as part of a settlement involving California and other US states, which had sued the company over alleged violations involving children’s privacy and consumer protection.
Global push to protect children
California’s new law comes as governments and regulators worldwide examine ways to reduce the risks associated with social media use among children.
Other laws signed by Newsom address chatbots, age verification, child sexual abuse material and technology use in schools.
The European Union is also preparing new measures. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said governments “do not have to accept addictive social media design”.
European policymakers are considering restrictions for younger users, including proposals for social media limits for children under 13 and a broader ban for those under 15.
