Tech Giants Challenge New California Child Safety Law in Federal Court
Google, Meta, and TikTok filed separate suits to block a rule banning addictive features for users under 16, arguing the state is overreaching.
By Yuna Patel ·
Three major technology companies filed separate federal lawsuits on Thursday to stop a new California law from taking effect on January 1, 2027. The law restricts how social media platforms design their interfaces for users under age 16, aiming to reduce addictive elements.
The statute, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, prohibits companies from offering endless scrolling, autoplayed videos, and addictive feeds to minors. It also requires platforms to verify user ages to ensure those under 16 do not access these features. Google, Meta, and TikTok each filed their cases in federal courts in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose.
The companies argue the law violates the First Amendment and Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act. Section 230 currently shields tech firms from liability for content posted by third parties. The plaintiffs claim the new rule forces the government to dictate how ideas are organized and displayed to Californians.
Meta stated in a filing that the law forces a choice between removing age-appropriate features or cutting off thousands of California teens from their communities. The company said the measure lets the state control how content is shared, impacting user preferences and social connection.
TikTok described the legislation as a restriction on free expression that erodes standard content curation practices used by bookstores and streaming services. The company noted it has already implemented safety measures and argued the law limits parental rights to determine what is appropriate for their children.
Google took a similar stance, emphasizing that parents are best positioned to make decisions for their families. José Castañeda, a Google spokesman, said the law breaks existing systems designed to help kids find high-quality videos. He added that the company offers a range of parental control tools to support families.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office said it is reviewing the filings and remains committed to defending state laws that protect children online. The lawsuits join a growing list of legal challenges against tech platforms, following Meta’s $18 billion settlement in August and TikTok’s September agreement with Alabama over addictive features.
