Meta, Google and TikTok challenge California teen social media law

AB 1709 bars platforms from offering users under 16 autoplay videos and personalized feeds. It also requires them to delete those users’ accounts if the features are not switched off. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $50,000 for each affected user under 16.

Meta argues the law violates the First Amendment by overriding its editorial choices about how content is displayed, and says Section 230 preempts it. TikTok and Google have made similar arguments. In its lawsuit, Meta said the law would make it unlawful to distribute speech to minors unless it changed its recommendation and autoplay practices, and would require it to delete minors’ accounts otherwise.

A TikTok spokesperson called AB 1709 “a blatantly unconstitutional restriction on free expression,” arguing that it threatens the practice of curating content based on user preferences. Google said YouTube autoplay is off by default for minors and parents can block their teens from accessing Shorts. A company spokesperson said parents should make decisions for their families and warned that broad laws could disrupt tools designed to help children find age-appropriate videos.

The law is part of a wider push to limit young people’s social media use in the hope of improving mental health. Digital safety experts have cautioned that age checks required by such laws could collect more data from all users, including adults. Electronic Frontier Foundation Associate Director of State Affairs Rindala Alajaji said AB 1709 would invade privacy and undermine online anonymity. She also argued it could cut young people off from information and experiences, including opportunities for digital activism.

The companies have faced similar disputes elsewhere. Australia banned social media for users under 16 in December 2025, while France’s top court struck down a similar law, citing free-expression concerns. Bonta’s office said it is reviewing the lawsuits and remains committed to “defending California’s commonsense laws to protect kids online.”