Susanna Riva In a significant step toward protecting minors in the digital world, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of 13 bills introducing some of the strongest protections for young online users in the United States. Effective 2027, these bills aim to reduce the negative impact of social networks and chatbots on younger users.
The decision comes at a crucial time, as technology continues to rapidly evolve and the risks to young users become increasingly evident. Newsom emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "The safety of our children deserves to be at the center of every discussion about technology." The bills were signed into law at a Bay Area children's museum, surrounded by parents and activists, including the mother of Adam Raine, a teenager who lost his life in 2025 after months of conversations with a chatbot.
Social networking restrictions for under-16s
Among the new provisions, social networks will no longer be able to use mechanisms designed to retain younger users. This includes videos that automatically start scrolling and content selected by algorithms based on users' previous interactions. These features, often criticized for their potential for addiction, will be prohibited for users under 16.
The new rules also require chatbots to clearly clarify to young users that they are interacting with an artificial intelligence and not a person. Additionally, parents will be provided with monitoring tools and will be alerted if their children disable protections. In the event of conversations involving suicide or self-harm, chatbots will be required to activate specific emergency protocols.
The context of the trial against Meta
These laws come just weeks after the conclusion of the trial against Meta , the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, accused by dozens of states of designing its platforms with mechanisms that encourage compulsive use among children and adolescents. Meta reached a $17 billion settlement and committed to introducing new protections for users under 18, including daily usage limits and notification blocks during bedtime and school hours.
Newsom reiterated that “Innovation comes with responsibility, and the protection of our children comes first.” California, home to the largest concentration of tech companies in the country, is thus positioning itself at the forefront of regulating technology for child safety.
The impact of the new laws
The new laws represent a significant step toward creating a safer digital environment for young people. With the increased use of social media and artificial intelligence, it is crucial that regulations evolve to protect the most vulnerable. California hopes these measures can serve as a model for other regions and countries, promoting greater awareness and responsibility among tech companies.
Adam Raine's mother, present at the bill signing, expressed hope that these measures could prevent similar tragedies. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting young people from digital risks, an issue that continues to gain global attention.