Google, Meta, and TikTok sued California over a child social media addiction law
Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok sued California to block enforcement of a new law intended to limit social media addiction risks for children under 16, Reuters reported. Known as Assembly Bill 1709, the statute bars platforms from offering minors features described as psychologically exploitative, including personal recommendations and sending videos through autoplay features, according to The News International.
More context
Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok have sued California to block enforcement of a new law intended to reduce the risk of social media addiction among children under 16, Reuters reported. The News International identified the measure as Assembly Bill 1709, which prohibits platforms from offering minors features it describes as psychologically exploitative, including personalized recommendations and autoplay videos. The companies argue the law violates the First Amendment’s free-speech protections and Section 230, which protects online platforms from liability for users’ content. They also say it forces them to present content to children in the state’s preferred way. Google filed in federal court in San Jose; The News International reported lawsuits against Meta and TikTok were filed in San Francisco and Los Angeles, respectively.
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Verifier’s note
Reuters directly reports that Google, Meta and TikTok sued California to block the youth social media law, and The News International also reports the same lawsuit, apparently repeating Reuters’ coverage. Both reports are dated November 5, 2026, consistent with the proposed event’s timing.