Meta, Google, and TikTok Sue California AG
Major tech giants file lawsuits against California's AB 1709, taking effect next year to restrict personalized feeds and autoplay for users under 16.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Meta, Google, and TikTok sue California Attorney General Rob Bonta
- Law AB 1709 restricts personalized feeds and autoplay for users under 16
- Platforms could face fines up to $50,000 per affected minor user
- Tech companies argue the law violates constitutional free speech rights
Global tech giants Meta, Google, and TikTok have officially filed lawsuits against California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a bid to block a controversial law targeting social media features for users under 16. The legislation, designated as AB 1709, was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom back in September and is scheduled to officially take effect at the beginning of the new year.
The provisions within AB 1709 explicitly prohibit social media platforms from offering autoplay video features and personalized content feeds to minor users under the age of 16. Furthermore, the statute mandates that platforms must delete these young users' accounts entirely if they fail to deactivate such features manually. Non-compliant platforms could potentially be held liable for steep financial penalties reaching up to $50,000 per affected user under 16.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Meta argued in its legal filing that AB 1709 directly violates the First Amendment by overriding editorial decisions regarding content display, while also asserting that Section 230 preempts the state law. Representatives from both TikTok and Google raised parallel legal arguments in their respective filings.
"AB 1709 is a blatantly unconstitutional restriction on free expression that erodes the long-standing and protected practice of curating content based on user preferences."
TikTok Spokesperson
Meanwhile, a Google spokesperson emphasized that autoplay on YouTube remains disabled for minors by default and that parental controls already allow families to turn off access to Shorts entirely. The company noted its ongoing stance that parents are best positioned to make proper decisions regarding their children's digital habits.
This legal showdown highlights a broader global friction point between government regulators attempting to safeguard youth mental health and major technology firms defending their core business algorithms. Similar legislative efforts are appearing worldwide, such as Australia's strict social media ban for children under 16 enacted in December 2025, and France's previously struck-down restriction over free expression concerns. These measures continue to spark intense debate regarding data privacy and age verification requirements for all users.
Source: TechCrunch
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