New California social media laws target addictive features

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a host of new laws aimed at protecting children from online risks, particularly social media platforms.

The 13 new laws aim to ensure greater online privacy for minors and include restrictions on addictive social media features for users under 16.

The measures prohibit social media platforms from exposing children to features deemed "psychologically exploitative," including infinite scrolling, algorithmic recommendations and autoplay designed to encourage compulsive use. 

Another prescribes criminal sanctions against any digitally altered or AI-generated content that depicts a minor engaged in sexual conduct.

In an attempt to restrict AI companion chatbots, one of the laws requires parental controls for chatbot programs, while another banned toys containing AI chatbots.

"We want our children — and every California kid — to grow up in a world where technology supports their wellbeing, rather than exploits their vulnerabilities," Newsom said.

'California's approach better than Australia's'

According to Newsom, California's approach was better targeted than Australia's ban on social media for under-16s because it addresses the technology behind addictive use rather than age alone.

"This is about actually addressing the problem, the scrolling, the algorithms. This is about addressing the substantive issue around the engineering. If you address that, then the age issue is not the essential issue."

Last year, Australia banned social media for under-16s. However, reports say the ban has been ineffective at preventing children and teenagers from accessing and using social media.

EU considering limits on children's access to social media

The measures make California one of several US states tightening rules on technology companies over concerns about children's online safety and mental health.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said that the company is committed to providing teens with safe experiences "with the proper guardrails in place," AFP news agency reported. 

The European Union is also considering limits on children's access to social media.

The EU proposals range from restrictions for under-13s to a broader ban for under-15s, which France is pushing for.

"We do not have to accept addictive social media design," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

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