Late on Tuesday evening, a federal judge in California made a groundbreaking decision that will impact how technology companies interact with minors. The judge upheld California’s ban on serving “addictive feeds” to minors, despite a challenge from tech lobbying group NetChoice. This decision, based on California’s recently enacted law SB 976, marks a significant shift in how companies engage with young users.
The ruling states that starting Wednesday, companies will be prohibited from providing addictive feeds to minors in California without explicit parental consent. An addictive feed is defined as an algorithm that curates and recommends content based on user behavior rather than their explicit preferences. This means that tech giants like Meta, Google, and X will have to adjust their practices to comply with the new regulations.
Furthermore, beginning in January 2027, companies will be required to implement “age assurance techniques” to determine if a user is a minor and tailor their feed accordingly. These techniques may include age estimation models to ensure that minors are not exposed to potentially harmful content.
Despite the efforts of NetChoice to challenge the law, the judge stood firm in upholding the ban on addictive feeds for minors. While some elements of the law, such as nighttime notifications restrictions for minors, were blocked, the core of the legislation remains intact.
This decision sets a precedent for other states to follow, with New York already passing similar legislation earlier in the year. It underscores the growing concern around the impact of technology on young users and the need for regulations to protect minors from potentially harmful content. As companies navigate these new regulations, the way they interact with young users will undoubtedly evolve to prioritize safety and responsible digital engagement.
