Google, Meta, and TikTok filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to block a recently enacted California law that restricts social media platforms from offering “addictive” features to children under the age of 16. The legal challenge targets the Digital Age Assurance Act, or AB 1709, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law in September.
The three technology companies argue that the legislation is preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and violates the First Amendment. They are seeking a court order to prevent the law from taking effect on January 1.
Google Challenges YouTube Restrictions
In its filing, Google contended that the law would effectively ban features such as YouTube’s recommendation system and autoplay functionality. The company argued that autoplay operates similarly to traditional television broadcasting, where one program ends and the next begins automatically.
Google’s legal team stated that the provisions burden YouTube’s First Amendment right to organize and display third-party content. The filing emphasized that the platform curates compilations of content to align with value-laden objectives, such as promoting novelty and diversity. The company also asserted that the law infringes on the rights of users under 16 to access content best suited to their developmental needs.
TikTok and Meta Cite Editorial Discretion
TikTok argued that the law prohibits its “For You” feature for children, a function the company describes as editorial discretion protected by the First Amendment. The filing noted that the new law goes further than a similar bill passed in 2024, which is also being challenged in court. TikTok highlighted that the legislation restricts addictive features regardless of whether parental consent is obtained.
TikTok’s legal team wrote that the Act runs headlong into the First Amendment by dictating how the platform may present videos to under-16 users. While the company stated it shares the desire to protect teens, it argued that the Legislature’s approach is inconsistent with constitutional protections.
Meta’s lawsuit similarly argued that the law would prohibit personalized feeds and autoplay for minors. The company cited Supreme Court precedent to assert that feeds of third-party content on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads receive First Amendment protection. Meta stated that these feeds are the product of expressive choices regarding which user-generated content to display and how to organize it.
State Officials and Lawmakers Respond
A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the office is reviewing the filing. The spokesperson added that the office is committed to defending California’s laws to protect kids online.
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, a Democrat from Long Beach who introduced AB 1709, criticized the lawsuit in a statement. He described the move as coming straight out of Meta’s playbook and noted that courts have previously found platforms liable for addicting children. Lowenthal expressed trust that the courts would prioritize children’s safety over corporate interests.
The lawsuit follows recent legal setbacks for the tech industry. Earlier this year, a jury in Los Angeles found Meta and YouTube liable for the social media addiction of a plaintiff who was a child when the harm occurred. Another jury in New Mexico found Meta violated consumer protection laws and was negligent in protecting minors, determining penalties of $375 million.
Source: Deadline
