California Governor Signed Bill Restricting Social Media

The new law mandates the disabling of addictive social media features for users under 16 across the state.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Youth

Isometric editorial illustration of a metallic sphere resting on a stone plinth, symbolizing digital policy regulation. — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1709, a California law requiring social media companies to disable addictive algorithmic features for users under 16. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should social media companies be legally prohibited from using features that encourage addictive habitual use?

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1709, a measure designed to restrict addictive social media features for minors. The legislation targets algorithmic feeds and autoplay functions for users under 16 to mitigate documented mental health risks.

Why it matters

The law aims to curb problematic habitual social media use among teens, which has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. By limiting addictive features, officials hope to protect minors from exposure to cyberbullying, extortion, and sexual exploitation.

Teens currently spend an average of 4 to 5 hours per day on social media platforms, well above the 3-hour benchmark associated with negative mental health outcomes. The new e-safety commission is currently reviewing technologies that could reach 30 to 50% effectiveness in age verification.

The players

Gavin Newsom

He is the current Governor of California who signed the legislation into law.

The details

Assembly Bill 1709 mandates that social media platforms disable personalized algorithmic feeds and autoplay functions when a system identifies a user as under 16. While the legislation does not ban minors from creating accounts, it requires platforms to implement age-bracket signals via operating systems or app stores.

Assembly Bill 1709 is scheduled to take effect on January 1.
Mandatory age-assurance system requirements begin for apps in 2027.

Culture Shift

This legislation marks a major departure from hands-off digital policies, reflecting a growing societal movement to protect youth from the unintended consequences of high-frequency social media exposure. It signals a move toward state-enforced safeguards that prioritize mental well-being over unrestricted algorithmic engagement.

Starting in 2027, parents in California will likely see their children's apps automatically limit addictive content as age-assurance requirements take effect. Families should prepare for potential changes to how these platforms function on personal devices and may need to adjust to new age-verification protocols.

The takeaway

This law represents a significant effort to shift the burden of digital safety from parents to the platforms themselves. Families are encouraged to monitor their children's app settings and stay informed as tech companies roll out the required age-verification updates.