California ban on ‘addictive’ social media for teens heads to Newsom

The Los Angeles Times reported that Meta, Google and TikTok are racing to guess children’s ages, and ABC News noted companies are trying harder to identify kid users. The political response has sharpened. The Electronic Frontier Foundation sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging a veto of AB 1709, while The Hill described the Meta settlement as receiving praise from some quarters and pushback from the right.

The Financial Times framed the settlement as “regulation by enforcement,” and Lawfare raised First Amendment concerns about Meta’s $17 billion deal. The settlement emerged from a $17 billion Meta agreement to curb certain practices. Lawfare’s analysis suggests the constitutional debate will intensify as the legislation proceeds.

Observers will watch for Newsom’s decision, possible court challenges, and whether other states follow California’s lead. The governor is expected to issue a decision within weeks, and legal scholars anticipate challenges based on free‑speech precedents.