Meta, Google and TikTok sue California to block a law limiting addictive feeds for users under 16

Meta, Google and TikTok have filed three separate federal lawsuits asking courts to block California Assembly Bill 1709, a law aimed at what it calls addictive features such as algorithmic recommendations, infinite scroll and autoplay. The law bars platforms that use addictive feeds from letting children under 16 have accounts and creates an e-Safety Advisory Commission under the state attorney general. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it on Sept. 10, and it takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Meta and Google filed in the Northern District of California and TikTok in the Central District, all naming Attorney General Rob Bonta. The companies argue the law restricts what they may show young users, in violation of the First Amendment, and is preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Meta said it would be forced either to remove features that keep teens' experiences age-appropriate or to cut thousands of California teens off from family and friends; Google said overly broad laws break the systems it built to help children find appropriate videos. Bonta's office said it is reviewing the suits and is "committed to defending California's commonsense laws to protect kids online."

The companies are also challenging SB 976, California's Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, which requires verified parental consent before minors see addictive feeds. In August, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila denied their request for a preliminary injunction against that law.