California bans addictive social media features for minors

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Thursday that prohibits social media companies from using infinite scroll and autoplay features for users under the age of 16. The move is part of a broader package aimed at reducing the addictive engineering of digital platforms and establishing stricter oversight for artificial intelligence tools. By targeting the core mechanisms that drive engagement, the state intends to lower the risk of harm to young people who spend significant time online.

The new rules also introduce severe financial penalties for platforms found to be harmful to children, with fines reaching up to one million dollars per affected minor. Additionally, the legislation mandates that AI chatbot operators must conduct risk assessments before launching their products. It includes provisions for parental controls and crisis protocols, reflecting a growing concern over the emotional impact of digital companions on adolescents.

Strict penalties for platform harm

The financial stakes for technology companies are now considerably higher in California. If a court determines that a platform has caused damage to a child, the company faces substantial fines. This approach shifts the burden of proof and accountability onto developers, forcing them to design products with safety as a primary metric rather than an afterthought. The state argues that this economic pressure is necessary to drive meaningful change in how these services are built.

Beyond fines, the laws require companies to implement specific safeguards, such as limiting usage during late-night hours and providing clear opt-out mechanisms for automated content. These measures are designed to give families more control over their digital environment. The legislation was signed in the context of a recent settlement where a major tech company agreed to pay billions of dollars to resolve similar claims from multiple states.

Rigorous checks on chatbot risks

A central part of the new framework focuses on companion chatbots, which are increasingly used by young people for emotional support. The regulations mandate that operators must assess potential risks before introducing these tools to the public. This includes establishing crisis protocols to handle situations where a user expresses distress. The bill is named after a teenager who died by suicide, a tragedy that his family attributed to interactions with an AI companion.

The governor’s office describes these as the strongest companion chatbot regulations in the United States. They require the inclusion of parental controls and ensure that AI systems are not allowed to form unmonitored relationships with minors. This reflects a broader trend where governments are beginning to treat AI interactions as a distinct category of risk, separate from traditional software usage.

Critics warn of digital exclusion

Despite the safety focus, the legislation has drawn sharp criticism from digital rights advocates. The Electronic Frontier Foundation argues that the ban on infinite scroll and autoplay effectively functions as a restriction on social media use for younger users. They contend that removing these basic navigation tools strips young people of access to digital communities and essential information. The group suggests that the policy may do more harm than good by isolating minors from online support networks.

According to reporting by GN technics/ai (en-US), this debate highlights a fundamental tension in digital policy. While the state aims to protect children from algorithmic manipulation, critics warn that over-regulation can cut off digital lifelines. The outcome of this legal shift will likely influence how other states and countries approach the regulation of social media and AI, creating a patchwork of rules that companies must navigate.