Policy · 1h ago
California Social Media Ban Still Threatens Free Speech and Privacy
California's amended AB 1709 still bans social media for under-16s, defining 'addictive feeds' so broadly that it covers most recommendation algorithms. The bill also mandates age verification, creating privacy risks and First Amendment burdens. EFF argues the amendments are cosmetic and the core problems remain.
Meridian48 take
The amendments are a fig leaf; the bill's broad definitions and age verification requirements still undermine youth access and privacy, making it a significant tech policy issue.
Read the full reporting
Amending AB 1709 Doesn’t Fix It: California’s Social Media Ban Still Threatens Free Speech and Privacy →
EFF
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