Tech Giants Challenge California's Social Media Restrictions for Children

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Major Tech Firms File Lawsuit Against California Over New Social Media Law

On November 5, 2026, technology companies Meta, Google, and TikTok filed lawsuits against the state of California in an effort to block Assembly Bill 1709, a recently passed law that restricts the use of certain social media features for users under the age of 16. The law seeks to address concerns about social media addiction and the online safety of children.

Details of Assembly Bill 1709

Assembly Bill 1709, introduced by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), prohibits social media platforms from offering features such as autoplay and recommended content to teenagers and young children. These features are designed to keep users engaged for extended periods and have been described by critics as potentially addictive, especially for younger audiences.

Industry Opposition and Legal Grounds

The three companies filed separate lawsuits in federal court. Meta, Google, and YouTube filed in the Northern District of California, while TikTok’s lawsuit was filed in the Central District. The companies argue that the new law infringes on their First Amendment right to free speech and conflicts with the Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from legal responsibility over third-party content posted on their sites.

Meta’s legal team claimed in court filings that the law attempts to position the state of California as the “editor, curator and controller of online speech,” overriding the company’s editorial decisions regarding how billions of posts are displayed. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta noted that his office is currently reviewing the litigation.

Background: Efforts to Regulate Social Media

Assemblymember Lowenthal has emphasized the risks posed to children and teenagers by features like autoplay, stating earlier in the year that these designs are "harmful, full stop, and that they're not appropriate for the developing brain." Tech industry groups, however, contend that such measures could hinder the ability of users to connect with friends and family online.

This latest legal dispute follows previous lawsuits and regulations. Last year, Meta and others filed suit over Senate Bill 976, another California law targeting addictive social media feeds and features, requiring parental consent for minors to access certain functions. Both Senate Bill 976 and Assembly Bill 1709 are scheduled to take effect on January 1.

TikTok’s Arguments and Existing Safeguards

In its lawsuit, TikTok argued that AB 1709 would override existing regulations (like SB 976), barring the platform from offering so-called addictive features to minors even if parents give explicit consent. TikTok’s legal team highlighted features such as Family Pairing, daily screen time limits, and restricted modes as existing safeguards, asserting that the new law undermines parental choice and teens’ ability to self-regulate online content.

Ongoing Litigation and Previous Settlements

California is home to several of the tech companies now challenging these new laws and has participated in previous lawsuits against social media firms. In 2023, California joined numerous other states in legal action against Meta, alleging that the company designed platforms with features to keep children engaged for longer, while downplaying the risks of addiction, depression, anxiety, and negative body image issues resulting from social media use.

Meta reached a settlement agreeing to pay up to $17 billion and to introduce changes on Facebook and Instagram aimed at protecting teen users, such as hiding likes, imposing default daily time limits, and blocking access to its apps overnight unless parental permission is granted.

Looking Ahead: Legal Challenges to Social Media Regulation

As California moves forward with efforts to regulate the use of social media by minors, tech companies continue to challenge these measures in court. The outcome of these cases will help determine the extent to which individual states can impose restrictions on nationwide tech platforms and how those platforms address the risks associated with social media addiction and children’s online safety.