California lawmakers are taking steps to hold social media companies accountable for their addictive practices that target children. If a new bipartisan bill passes, both TikTok and Facebook could face numerous individual and class action lawsuits.
Many parents in the tech sector, particularly those working in social media, are known to impose strict limits or even ban their kids from using the platforms that financially support their livelihoods. They often advocate for real-life interactions over screen time. However, what these companies and their employees frequently overlook is their awareness of the detrimental effects of social media on young users. This is the impetus behind Assemblymembers Alex Torres and Jamie Lee’s introduction of AB 2408, a bill that seeks to hold social media companies legally accountable for their marketing strategies aimed at children, fully aware of the potential harm.
The proposed legislation would be retroactive, allowing California’s Department of Justice to pursue legal action against these companies not only for future infractions but also for past ones. Internal studies at Facebook have revealed the negative implications of social media on kids, especially teenage girls. TikTok has faced criticism for its ambiguous privacy policies and questionable data-sharing practices. Research consistently shows that children addicted to TikTok often suffer from elevated anxiety and depression, along with diminished working memory.
“The harm stemming from social media addiction among our youth is alarming—ranging from eating disorders to depression and even suicidal thoughts,” Torres stated. “This isn’t just a mental health issue; it also has physical repercussions. It seems unjust for society and our children to bear the brunt of this problem while the companies continue to profit.”
The legislation focuses on features like push notifications and highly personalized algorithms that encourage excessive scrolling among children, rather than the content itself. This distinction is crucial as advocates expect resistance from major tech firms due to Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act, which protects platforms from liability for user-generated content. However, since the bill addresses marketing tactics specifically, Torres believes it aligns with federal law.
With the knowledge that platforms like Facebook and Instagram understood the addictive nature of their services, Torres asserts that the time for this legislation is now. “This is a compelling case for retroactive application, comparable perhaps only to major environmental disasters or tobacco marketing to minors,” he remarked. “We’ll have to see if my fellow legislators concur.”
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In summary, California lawmakers are pushing for accountability from social media giants TikTok and Facebook for their practices that lead to the addiction of young users. The proposed legislation could pave the way for significant legal challenges against these companies, highlighting the urgent need for responsible marketing practices.
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