Meta, Google, TikTok Challenge California Kids‑Safety Law in Federal Court

Meta, Google and TikTok filed separate federal lawsuits on Wednesday challenging California’s Assembly Bill 1709, a law that bars platforms from using addictive features such as algorithmic recommendations, infinite scroll and autoplay for users younger than 16.

The lawsuits, filed in the Northern and Central Districts of California, argue the law infringes the companies’ First Amendment rights and is preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects online services from liability for third‑party content.

Companies Say the Law Limits Free Speech

Meta contends that the ban on personalized feeds and autoplay forces the company to remove features that help teens stay connected with family and friends, calling the law an unconstitutional attempt by the state to control online speech.

TikTok warns that AB 1709 would stop it from speaking to users under 16 unless it creates a completely different product for that age group, and it likens the restriction to limits placed on bookstores, TV networks and streaming services.

Google, on behalf of YouTube, says its recommendation and autoplay tools deliver age‑appropriate content and that parents should be the ones deciding what kids see, not the state.

Legal Basis of the Challenge

All three complaints cite the First Amendment, arguing the law dictates how ideas are organized and displayed to Californians. They also claim Section 230 preempts the state regulation because it already governs the liability of platforms for third‑party speech.

The suits name California Attorney General Rob Bonta as a defendant and request an injunction to stop enforcement of AB 1709.

What the Law Requires

AB 1709, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 10, prohibits platforms that use addictive feeds from allowing children under 16 to have accounts. It also creates an e‑Safety Advisory Commission under the state attorney general.

Separately, Senate Bill 976, the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, requires platforms to obtain verified parental consent before showing minors addictive feeds and to provide parental‑control settings.

Impact on Parents and Teens

If the law remains in force, platforms may have to disable features like autoplay and algorithmic recommendations for users under 16, or block those users entirely. Parents could lose access to tools that help them manage what their children see online.

For now, the lawsuits are pending and a federal judge has already denied a preliminary injunction that would have paused the law. The outcome will determine whether California can enforce these restrictions while the cases proceed through the Ninth Circuit.

Anyone concerned about how these legal battles might affect their family’s online experience should monitor the case developments and consider discussing their options with a lawyer, especially if they rely on platform tools to protect minor children.

This article is general information based on Courthouse News Service and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published November 6, 2026.