Big Tech Sues California Over Child-Safety Law

Three major technology companies have filed federal lawsuits to block a California statute that restricts how social media platforms interact with children. The legal action targets a law that takes effect on January 1, 2027, which prohibits companies from showing users under 16 addictive feeds, endless scrolling, and autoplayed videos. The platforms argue the rules infringe on their First Amendment rights.

The state passed the legislation in September, and Governor Gavin Newsom signed it into law at that time. The new rules require tech firms to use reasonable measures to verify user ages. If a user is identified as under 16, the platform must remove or limit specific engaging features. The law aims to shield younger users from design elements intended to hold their attention.

Google, Meta, and TikTok filed their separate complaints in federal courts in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Beyond free speech claims, the companies argue the state law conflicts with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. That federal provision shields tech companies from liability for content posted by third parties. The plaintiffs contend the new state rules force them to manage content in ways that violate this protection.

These lawsuits follow a year of financial settlements related to child safety on digital platforms. In August, Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion to strengthen safety measures on Facebook and Instagram. That settlement resolved claims from nearly every state regarding teen addiction. In September, TikTok reached a similar settlement with the state of Alabama over addictive features.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office stated on Thursday that it is reviewing the filings. The office said it remains committed to defending the state’s laws designed to protect children online. Each of the three companies is a named plaintiff in these distinct legal battles.

TikTok described the law as a restriction on free expression that undermines standard content curation practices used by bookstores and TV networks. The company noted it has already implemented safety measures for teens. Meta stated that the law forces the company to choose between removing age-appropriate features or excluding thousands of California teens from their communities. Google spokesperson José Castañeda said overly broad laws can break existing systems that help kids find quality videos.

The next step in the legal process involves the federal courts determining whether the state law stands. The companies seek to block the rule before it becomes active on January 1, 2027.