This year, platforms have faced over $1T in lawsuits from several different US states over alleged child endangerment. Now, Google, Meta, and TikTok are fighting back.
Last week, the tech companies filed lawsuits against California, attempting to block a law that would change algorithms for users under 16.
Inside the legislation:
In September, California governor Gavin Newsom passed Assembly Bill 1709, which states that platforms can’t implement addictive features (like suggested videos or autoplay) for users under 16. The platforms would have to implement ID verification in the state to ensure the age of its users.
The legislation also establishes an “e-Safety Advisory Committee” that operates under the California Department of Justice.
Google, Meta, and TikTok are suing on the grounds that the law violates the First Amendment and Section 230, a federal law that deems platforms not liable for anything posted by its users. Platforms’ spokespeople have called for parents to enforce social media usage rules for their kids instead.
Here’s what this could mean for creators →
If platforms win the suit: There would be no change in teenage users’ algorithms, and we would potentially see less ID verification implemented on the sites (though many platforms already have ID verification policies in place). For creators, nothing would change.
If platforms lose and the law passes: Teen usage in California would either be restricted or redirected to a non-algorithmic feed, making teen social media consumption habits more unpredictable. For teen creators or adult creators with children in their audiences, this could change who watches your videos.
Do you think Google, Meta, and TikTok will win the lawsuit?
