Courts Weigh Tech Fight Over Teen App Rules

Meta, Google, and TikTok filed three separate lawsuits in federal courts across California on Thursday. The companies are seeking to block a state law that limits how social media platforms can design features for users under 16. The measure is scheduled to take effect in January 2027.

The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year, targets specific design choices. It defines addictive features as infinite scroll, autoplay, and recommendation algorithms. The state argues these elements contribute to a crisis in teen mental health. The new rules would prevent platforms from offering these features to minors unless specific conditions are met.

The companies contend the law infringes on their First Amendment rights. Meta’s lawsuit claims the state becomes the editor and controller of online speech. Google argues the rule would frustrate YouTube’s efforts to provide safe experiences for younger users. All three suits aim to stop the law before it goes into force.

Debate over the measure began during its legislative process. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warned the law effectively bans social media for teenagers by regulating fundamental features. NetChoice, an industry group, supported the litigation. The group stated that states cannot restrict minors' access to protected expression just because they view that expression as harmful.

Supporters of the law point to recent court decisions. The Electronic Privacy Information Center noted that judges have rejected industry claims that the First Amendment shields platforms from accountability. The legal challenge arrives after a string of setbacks for the tech sector regarding teen safety.

In August, Meta agreed to pay up to $17 billion in a settlement with 47 states. Those states alleged Meta engineered its products to be addictive to children. The new lawsuits add another layer to that legal pressure.

A Google spokesperson said in an email that parents are best positioned to make decisions for their families. José Castañeda added that the company offers tools to put parents in control. He argued that overly broad laws break the systems built to help kids find age-appropriate videos. A TikTok spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.