Digital Rights Groups Condemn California's Social Media Age Ban as Counterproductive

Legislation governing technology ought to advance the interests and capabilities of young people, according to digital rights advocates who have lined up against California's AB 1709, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law today. The Electronic Frontier Foundation and its coalition partners contend the measure fails to meet this standard.

In the modern era, young people rely on digital tools to acquire knowledge and establish meaningful connections. AB 1709 functions as a de facto prohibition on social media participation for anyone younger than 16, effectively denying youth access to vital information channels and community spaces. The impact falls particularly hard on vulnerable populations who frequently depend on welcoming digital networks for support they cannot reliably find offline.

California should be passing laws to ensure that technology really works for people of all ages, not enacting social media bans that cut young people off from digital lifelines, communities, and speech. Denying minors access to digital forums - or stripping out basic tools needed to navigate them - is not going to help make young people safer or healthier in the AI age.

Rindala Alajaji, EFF Associate Director of State Affairs

Evidence indicates that prohibitions on social media do not achieve their intended results. Such restrictions simultaneously deprive young people of chances to cultivate their own identities and viewpoints—to exhibit creative work, practice their faith, or participate in civic engagement.

Age-verification systems impose their own costs on privacy. To enforce age restrictions, platforms must gather additional personal data from users, a requirement that strengthens corporate control over information rather than safeguarding individuals from exploitation.

The measure also conflicts with constitutional protections for speech and expression. California faces the prospect of expending public funds defending legislation that will likely face legal challenges. A more productive approach would involve strengthening privacy protections through comprehensive legislation that addresses the underlying business models dependent on surveillance.

Young people merit the ability to engage with technology in ways that are both secure and beneficial to their wellbeing. California has an opportunity to establish exemplary regulations that enable technology to serve all residents equitably, rather than restricting entry to digital spaces in ways that create additional problems.

Social media bans like AB1709 make kids less safe, while undermining privacy and freedom of expression for everyone. Young people have been on the forefront of every social movement throughout history that has led to positive social change. We need policies that empower young people rather than silencing them. These kid-focused bans are a gift to Big Tech giants, allowing them to continue operating their harmful business model while incentivizing them to collect even more data. California lawmakers should be ashamed. They didn't do anything to protect the kids, they just used kids as pawns to make good headlines.

Evan Greer, Director of Fight for the Future

In a world of increasing stigma and marginalization for LGBTQ+ families, AB 1709 continues that trend by stripping people with LGBTQ+ parents of the ability to meet and build community with one another on the internet. Beyond obstructing the right of youth with LGBTQ+ parents to access information, this bill places an undue burden on all Californians by forcing age verification at a time when digital privacy rights are being eroded globally. We cannot 'protect children' by stripping them of their primary avenue for connection.

Jordan Wilson, Executive Director of COLAGE

Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation (Deeplinks / Updates)