California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that bans social media platforms from providing 'addictive features' to users under 16. The bill defines 'addictive features' as algorithmic feeds that serve tailored content, content that autoplays, and other features that may be defined in regulations.
What happened
The new law requires social media platform holders to adhere to these regulations for all their social digital properties, including websites, apps, and services. If they fail to comply, they will face fines of up to $50,000 for a knowing violation or $25,000 for an incidental violation. This move aims to limit the functionality of social media algorithms, which are believed to be harmful to underage users.
In addition to the social media bill, Newsom signed several other bills into law, including Adam's Law, which establishes AI safety mechanisms for underage users. This law forces AI companies to alert parents if their child discusses suicidal thoughts with a bot and conduct regular child safety audits and risk assessments.
Other bills signed into law include the expansion of the definition of 'child sexual exploitation' to include AI-generated content and the prohibition of targeting underage users with advertisements. AI systems are also not allowed to be used in conjunction with student information in schools from K-12.
