California tightens social media rules for minors

California has introduced some of the toughest technology regulations in the United States, targeting addictive social media features and AI chatbot risks involving children.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of 13 bipartisan bills on September 10 aimed at strengthening protections for minors online, including stricter rules for social media companies, greater privacy safeguards and new requirements for artificial intelligence systems.

Under the new legislation, social media platforms will be prohibited from exposing users under 16 to features considered psychologically exploitative or designed to encourage compulsive use.

The restrictions specifically target tools such as infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven autoplay feeds, which lawmakers argue are designed to keep young users engaged for longer periods.

The measures form part of California’s broader effort to address concerns about the impact of technology on children’s mental health and online safety.

One of the key measures, known as “Adam’s Law”, introduces new safeguards for AI companion chatbots used by young people. The legislation is named after Adam Raine, a 16-year-old who died by suicide in April 2025. His parents have alleged that conversations with ChatGPT contributed to validating his suicidal thoughts.

The law requires AI companion systems to include safeguards for conversations involving suicide or self-harm. It also calls for stronger parental controls, notifications when certain safety protections are disabled and independent audits focused on child safety.

Supporters say the legislation is necessary as AI chatbots become increasingly accessible to children and teenagers. Critics, however, have argued that some of the measures could unnecessarily restrict young people’s access to online services.

California’s move comes amid a growing international push to limit children’s exposure to potentially harmful online content. Australia has also introduced restrictions targeting social media access for children under 16.

Several US states have adopted or considered similar measures, although their approaches differ. Utah was among the first states to enact legislation addressing children’s access to social media, followed by states including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, Texas, Florida and New York.

California’s Assembly Bill 1709 specifically bars platforms from exposing under-16 users to certain engagement-driven features that could contribute to compulsive use. Additional features may be identified through future regulations.