Meta, Google and TikTok sue California to block teen social media law

The three platforms filed separate lawsuits against California Attorney General Rob Bonta seeking to block a law restricting personalized feeds and autoplay for users under 16.

• Google filed its lawsuit in federal court in San Jose, Meta in San Francisco and TikTok in Los Angeles.
• The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 10, takes effect January 1, 2027, and carries fines of up to $50,000 per affected user.
• The companies argue that AB 1709 violates the First Amendment and is preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
• Bonta's office said it is reviewing the filings and is committed to defending California's laws to protect kids online.