Google, Meta and TikTok Sue California to Block New Youth Social Media Law

WASHINGTON, Nov 6 (OPA) — Google, Meta, and TikTok have filed separate lawsuits in California federal courts to block a state law designed to shield children from social media risks. The statute, slated to take effect on January 1, 2027, prohibits tech companies from offering addictive feeds, endless scrolling, and auto-played videos to users under 16. It also mandates reasonable age verification measures to restrict access to these features. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law in September.

In the filings submitted in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose, the firms contend the measure infringes upon their First Amendment rights. They also argue the law violates Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields platforms from liability for user-generated content. TikTok characterized the legislation as an unconstitutional restriction on free expression, while Meta argued it allows the government to dictate how ideas are organized and shared.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, named as the defendant in the lawsuits, stated that his office is reviewing the filings and remains committed to defending the state protections. The legal challenges arrive amid broader scrutiny over platform harms to minors. In August, Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion and implement stricter child-safety measures to resolve a landmark US trial concerning teen social media addiction.

Tech companies maintain that existing parental control tools and safety measures are sufficient without government intervention. Google spokesman José Castañeda asserted that broad legal restrictions disrupt systems built to deliver age-appropriate content. The ongoing litigation sets the stage for a major legal battle over state-level digital regulation and minor safety standards in the United States.