California Officials Plan to Sue TikTok and Facebook Over Child Addiction

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California lawmakers are taking steps to hold social media platforms accountable for the addictive nature of their products aimed at children. If a new bipartisan bill passes, TikTok and Facebook could face numerous individual and class action lawsuits. Assemblymembers Jamie Rivers and Lisa Patel have introduced AB 2408, which seeks to hold these companies legally responsible for their marketing strategies that contribute to addiction among minors.

It’s noteworthy that many parents working in the tech industry limit or even prohibit their children from using the same platforms they help develop. These parents often prioritize real-life interactions over screen time, highlighting a growing concern over social media’s impact on mental health. Internal research from Facebook has revealed the negative effects social media can have on children, particularly teenage girls, while TikTok has faced criticism for its ambiguous privacy policies and data-sharing practices. Studies consistently show that children addicted to TikTok may experience increased anxiety, depression, and diminished working memory.

“The harm we see from the social media addiction crisis among teenagers includes eating disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts,” Rivers stated to Politico. “The costs of this crisis should not fall solely on our society and children; the companies profiting from these behaviors should share that burden.”

The bill specifically addresses features like push notifications and highly personalized algorithms designed to keep children engaged, rather than the content itself. This focus is crucial as lawmakers anticipate resistance from Big Tech, particularly concerning Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act, which protects platforms from liability for user-generated content. However, Rivers believes that by targeting marketing tactics, the bill will not conflict with federal law.

Given the awareness that platforms like Facebook and Instagram have regarding the addictive nature of their services, Rivers feels the time is ripe for this legislative action. “This is as strong a case for retroactive application as I can think of, aside from perhaps significant environmental disasters,” he shared with Politico. “We’ll see if my colleagues agree.”

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In summary, California lawmakers are pushing for accountability from TikTok and Facebook regarding their marketing tactics that potentially harm children. The proposed bill could pave the way for legal action, holding these companies responsible for their role in social media addiction.