California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law aimed at protecting children from social media addiction, positioning the state as a leader in regulating online interactions for minors. This law follows similar measures in New York and Utah, targeting the potentially harmful effects of social media on youth.

Key Aspects of the California Law:

• Notification Restrictions: The law prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications to minors between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., as well as between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays during the school year, unless parents give explicit permission.
• Default Privacy Settings: It mandates that children’s accounts be set to private by default, enhancing their privacy and security online.
• Definition of “Addictive Feed”: The legislation describes an “addictive feed” as platforms that prioritize user-generated content based on user-provided information, with exceptions for some cases.

Governor Newsom’s Statement:

Newsom emphasized the negative consequences of social media addiction, such as increased isolation, stress, anxiety, and a loss of time. He framed the law as a crucial measure to curb features intentionally designed to foster unhealthy habits amongst children.

Opposition Concerns:

Critics of the law raise concerns that it may inadvertently restrict adult access to online content due to age verification issues. There are also fears it could compromise online privacy by necessitating more extensive data collection from users.

This legislation is part of a broader initiative across the United States to address social media’s impact on children’s mental health and overall well-being, marking an important development in digital policy for minors.