A recent survey showed that teens spend an average of over seven hours a day on phones and other devices, raising concerns about the impact of social media on youth. In response, California lawmakers introduced two bills aimed at protecting children from online harms, including holding social media companies financially liable for harm caused to minors and banning the use of addictive algorithms.
Tech industry lobbyists, funded by companies like Meta, Google, and X, are urging Governor Newsom to veto the bills, arguing that they are constitutionally flawed. They claim the bills violate free speech and lack clear definitions of harm to minors. However, proponents of the bills, like Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal and Senator Nancy Skinner, believe they are necessary to address the mental health crisis among young people.
The bills have received bipartisan support in the state legislature and are on track to be passed in August. Critics argue that the vague language in the bills could lead to heavy penalties without clear standards of behavior for social media companies. However, supporters maintain that the legislation is crucial in incentivizing safety improvements on online platforms to protect children.
As the debate continues, experts like Michael Karanicolas believe that while the bills may face legal challenges, they are necessary to push forward the conversation around regulating social media. California lawmakers hope to establish the state as a leader in protecting children online and addressing the negative impacts of excessive screen time on youth.
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