California Makes Addictive Social Media Use Illegal for Children

Starting in 2027, providing addictive feeds to children on social media without parental consent will be banned in California. This new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, follows similar measures in New York and Utah, marking another step in addressing the negative impact of social media on children. California, home to some of the largest tech companies in the world, becomes a pioneer in protecting children in the digital space with this law, despite similar proposals failing in recent years. However, in 2022, Newsom signed a law prohibiting online platforms from misusing users' personal information, especially that of children. Newsom, a Democrat, stated, "Every parent knows the harm social media addiction causes their children - isolation from human contact, stress and anxiety, and hours wasted. With this bill, California helps protect children and teenagers from design features that feed these harmful habits." The law limits notifications at specific times and the default settings of children's accounts. However, opponents are concerned about its impact on privacy and adult access to content. State Senator Nancy Skinner, the author of the law, said, "Social media companies have designed their platforms to addict users, especially our children. With the passage of this law, the California legislature has sent a clear message: when social media companies do not act, it is our responsibility to protect our children." The company Meta states it will limit access to "harmful content" on Facebook and Instagram. In Utah, children and teenagers need parental approval to access social media platforms like TikTok.