Meta, Google and TikTok Sue to Block California Youth Law

Meta, Google and TikTok have filed separate federal lawsuits seeking to block California’s AB 1709, a law restricting certain social-media features for users under 16. The companies argue the measure violates the First Amendment and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act by limiting how platforms organize and recommend content. Those arguments are claims in court filings, not judicial findings. AB 1709 bars platforms from offering autoplay and personalized feeds to users under 16. It also requires age-related safeguards and account deletion when restricted features remain available to those users. The law is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027. The companies filed in separate federal courts: Meta in San Francisco, Google in San Jose and TikTok in Los Angeles. Their complaints contend that selecting and arranging third-party material is protected editorial activity, and that federal law takes precedence over California’s restrictions. They also argue the state’s rules interfere with parents’ choices about their children’s online activity. TikTok says AB 1709 does not provide an exception when a parent consents to a minor’s use of the restricted features, unlike the...