Gavin Newsom Signs Bill Protecting Children's Social Media Use 2026

Gavin Newsom signs bill protecting children's social media use, marking a significant step in California's efforts to regulate digital platforms. The legislation, signed on Thursday, introduces nation-leading protections against addictive features for young users.

Standing in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Democratic governor described the move as "nation-leading" and emphasized its focus on addressing the engineering behind social media platforms. "This is about actually addressing the problem, the scrolling, the algorithms," Newsom said. "This is about addressing the substantive issue around the engineering."

Key Provisions of the New Legislation

The new laws include AB 1709, which prohibits social media companies from using infinite scroll and autoplay features for users under 16. This aims to reduce addictive behaviors and protect young minds from excessive screen time.

Additionally, the regulations introduce the strongest companion chatbot regulations in the US, according to the governor's office. These rules ensure that AI-driven interactions are safe for children, preventing potential harm from unregulated digital companions.

The legislation also updates child sexual exploitation laws to include "digitally altered and AI-generated" sexual imagery of minors, closing legal loopholes in the digital age.

Impact on Social Media and AI Companies

Social media platforms and AI developers will need to adapt their practices to comply with these new standards. Companies must now implement age verification systems and modify their algorithms to prevent addictive features for younger users.

This could lead to significant changes in how these platforms operate, potentially affecting user engagement metrics. However, the focus remains on creating safer digital environments for children.

Comparison of Regulations Across States

California's approach is notably comprehensive, targeting both social media and AI technologies.

Criticisms and Support

The legislation has faced criticism from organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which argues that AB 1709 constitutes a "functional ban on social media use" for users under 16. Rindala Alajaji, the EFF's associate director of state policy, stated, "California should be passing laws to ensure that technology really works for people of all ages, not enacting social media bans that cut young people off from digital lifelines, communities, and speech."

Supporters, however, believe the laws are necessary to protect children from the harms of unchecked digital engagement. They point to rising concerns about mental health, privacy, and exposure to harmful content. The background to this story is set out in Ofcom Failing to Protect Children from Online Harms.

Key Takeaways

• Bans addictive features like infinite scroll and autoplay for under-16 users.
• Introduces stringent regulations for companion chatbots.
• Updates child exploitation laws to cover AI-generated imagery.
• Faces opposition from digital rights groups over free speech concerns.

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