Home / Technology / California Bans Addictive Social Media for Teens
California Bans Addictive Social Media for Teens
10 Sep
Summary
- New law restricts addictive social media features for users under 16.
- AI companies must disclose chatbot interactions to young users.
- California enacts strongest online protections for young users in US.
California is set to implement some of the most robust online protections for young users in the United States. Governor Gavin Newsom is scheduled to sign legislation that will restrict addictive social media technologies and interactions with harmful artificial intelligence chatbots.
The new laws target the risks posed to minors by digital platforms. One bill prohibits social media companies from providing addictive features to users younger than 16, marking a national first. Another mandates that AI companies must inform young users when they are interacting with a chatbot rather than a human and to restrict dangerous content.
These measures are part of a broader effort to regulate technology and protect children. The governor stated that California will not allow unregulated technology to endanger children. This regulatory action follows global efforts to create online guardrails for minors amid growing concerns about the impact of social media and AI on young users.
