started · updated
California enacts new online safety laws for minors
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a comprehensive package of laws designed to enhance online safety for minors. The legislation targets both social media design and the regulation of artificial intelligence.
Assembly Bill 1709 prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive features—such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds—to users under the age of 16. If platforms cannot provide a version of their service free of these features, they must delete the accounts of underage users. To enforce accountability, Assembly Bill 2 increases civil penalties for companies found negligent in harming children, allowing for fines of up to $1 million or three times the actual damages.
The package also introduces strict regulations for AI technology. SB 1119, known as ‘Adam’s Law,’ requires AI companion chatbots to follow specific crisis protocols if a minor expresses suicidal thoughts and mandates annual independent safety audits. Additionally, the laws require AI chatbot operators to conduct risk assessments before launching products and establish a framework for independent organizations to evaluate AI models for compliance with state laws.
These measures, which are set to take effect on January 1, represent some of the most stringent digital safety regulations in the United States, following recent legal scrutiny of major tech firms like Meta and YouTube.
Entities
California · Gavin Newsom · Josh Lowenthal · Meta · New York · YouTube
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AI chatbot operators are required to conduct risk assessments before launching their products. www.newsbytesapp.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Assembly Bill 1709 prohibits social media platforms from offering addictive features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds to users under 16. nationalcybersecurity.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · www.psychologytoday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The new laws are scheduled to go into effect on January 1. nationalcybersecurity.com · www.psychologytoday.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] SB 1119, known as Adam’s Law, requires AI companion chatbots to follow crisis protocols if a minor expresses suicidal thoughts. www.psychologytoday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Assembly Bill 2 increases civil penalties for social media companies found negligent in harming children to up to $1 million or three times actual damages. nationalcybersecurity.com · www.newsbytesapp.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of child online-safety bills into law. nationalcybersecurity.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · www.psychologytoday.com · comunidadeculturaearte.com · sapo.pt