California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, today signed a law that prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive features to users under 16, the first law of its kind in the US.
He also signed a law requiring AI companies to disclose to young users when they are engaging with a chatbot rather than a human, and to restrict dangerous content on topics such as self-harm.
The two measures were part of a package of 13 digital safety bills. Newsom said it was too hard for parents alone to protect their children from powerful algorithms.
“It’s a good day for our children,” Newsom said at the signing ceremony. “It’s a good day for the State of California.”
What the new laws require
Assembly Bill 1709 prohibits social media platforms from offering addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay videos to users under 16.
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