Calif. AG Bonta Cheers Senate Passing Social Media Bill

Two California social media bills advanced through their originating chambers Monday. The Senate voted 35-2 to pass a bill (SB-976) by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D) that would provide social media controls for parents, including the ability to decide whether their children see a chronological news feed or one based on an algorithm, the current default. Also, the bill would let parents stop social media notifications and block access to platforms overnight and during the school day. Attorney General Rob Bonta (D), who had proposed the bill (see 2401300049), applauded Senate passage in a statement. “Our children and teens are experiencing a public health crisis, caused by social media companies in their thirst for profits,” said Bonta. “In California, we take mental health seriously, we take children’s online safety seriously -- and we know that we don’t have a minute to waste to protect our kids.” The Assembly voted 65-0 for AB-3172, which would make big social media platforms liable for damages and other legal remedies “if the platform fails to exercise ordinary care or skill toward a child.” It goes next to the Senate, while SB-976 goes to the Assembly.