California Governor Signs Youth Social Media Law

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 976, the Protecting Our Kids From Social Media Addiction Act, which prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive content to users under 18 without parental consent, set to take effect in 2027. The bill, aimed at addressing rising concerns about the psychological effects of social media on youth, has garnered support from various organizations but also faces criticism regarding free speech and privacy issues. Key provisions include limiting notifications to minors during specific hours and requiring platforms to set children's accounts to private by default. Opponents warn that this legislation could lead to broader age verification practices, impacting adult users as well. This initiative aligns with a national movement to regulate social media's influence on children, influenced by calls for action from the US Surgeon General. As California continues to lead in tech regulation, the bill represents a significant step towards safeguarding youth online.