# Tech Giants Sue California Over New Child Social Media Safety Law Google, Meta, and TikTok challenge legislation restricting addictive features for users under sixteen. - **Source:** [ABC News – Money](https://abcnews.go.com/Business) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/84a32b4b-59f7-4be3-a59a-a80a1a83dd92 ## Legal Challenge Initiated Google, Meta, and TikTok have filed separate federal lawsuits to block a new California law. The legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, aims to restrict addictive social media features for users under sixteen. The companies argue the state mandate violates their First Amendment rights regarding content curation and expression. ## Key Legislative Provisions The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. It prohibits tech platforms from offering addictive feeds, endless scrolling, and autoplay videos to minors. Furthermore, companies must implement reasonable measures to verify user ages, ensuring that individuals under sixteen are not exposed to these specific platform design features. ## Arguments Against Regulation The tech firms contend the law is unconstitutional and infringes on free speech. TikTok claims the restriction erodes content curation practices used by bookstores and streaming services. Meta argues the government should not dictate how ideas are organized or shared, while Google suggests the law undermines existing parental control tools and protections. ## Section 230 Invocation Beyond First Amendment claims, the companies argue the law violates Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act. This federal statute shields technology platforms from liability regarding material posted by third parties. By forcing companies to alter platform architecture, they claim California is overstepping its authority and ignoring federal liability protections. ## State Government Stance California Attorney General Rob Bonta is the named defendant in these lawsuits. His office stated on Thursday that they are currently reviewing the filings. Bonta remains committed to defending state laws designed to protect children online, signaling a prolonged legal battle between the state of California and major technology corporations. ## Broader Industry Scrutiny These lawsuits occur amidst increasing global pressure on tech companies regarding platform harms to children. Thousands of legal actions have been initiated by schools, governments, and individual plaintiffs. The industry is currently facing a wave of litigation focused on how specific design features impact the mental health and well-being of young users. ## Recent Legal Precedents In August, Meta agreed to pay up to 18 billion dollars to settle claims regarding teen social media addiction. This landmark settlement involved nearly every state and required stronger child-safety measures on Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, TikTok reached a settlement with Alabama in September concerning similar allegations about their platform's addictive features. ## Future Implications The outcome of these lawsuits will likely set a significant precedent for digital regulation in the United States. If the law survives, it could force a fundamental redesign of social media interfaces for minors. Observers are watching closely to see how federal courts balance state-level child protection efforts against established corporate rights. ## Sources covering this story - https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/google-meta-tiktok-sue-california-law-designed-protect-137893955 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._