California’s New Social Media Law

California has enacted a groundbreaking law targeting “addictive feeds” on social media platforms for minors. The law requires companies like Meta, Snapchat, and ByteDance to modify their algorithms, restricting personalized feeds for underage users. Notifications are also banned during school hours (8:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and late-night hours (midnight to 6:00 AM). Despite industry pushback, the law’s key provisions remain intact, aiming to protect minors from the mental health risks of algorithm-driven content.

Tech companies argued the regulations were overly broad, but the court upheld the ban, signaling a shift toward stricter internet governance. Advocates view this as a significant step toward fostering healthier online habits for younger generations, while critics warn of potential overreach and unintended consequences for digital innovation.