A new legislation that would alter how younger demographics interact with digital platforms is advancing in California. As KTLA reports, this proposed bill aims to bar children under the age of 16 from using social media, introducing new regulatory requirements for technology companies operating within the state.
Key provisions of the bill
The primary function of AB 1709 is to prohibit social media platforms from permitting users younger than 16 to create or maintain active accounts. Furthermore, the bill dictates that platforms must implement “reasonable measures to prevent users under 16 years of age from accessing or using accounts.”
Instead of putting the pressure on teenagers, the law focuses entirely on the businesses. If the bill passes, technology companies will have to change how their websites and applications operate. This means that the companies will have to build systems to prevent younger users from getting access.
A growing global trend
Right now, the state bill is still just a proposal making its way through the government. However, it is getting support from different lawmakers. While California decides what to do, it is helpful to look at other locations.
Australia has already instituted policies barring children under 16 from maintaining social media accounts. In December 2025, it became the first country to restrict anyone under 16 from creating social media profiles. Moreover, as CNBC reported, several other European countries like the U.K. and France are also considering banning social media for children.
In the domestic level, some states have passed laws requiring age verification for social media services. Nonetheless, not all of them have taken effect due to the legal challenges. Recently, Florida passed a similar law for young users, but it has encountered challenges.
