Chronological coverage updated 11th September 2026 03:57.
Update 1 · 11th September 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Enforceable Child Safety Rules for Social Media and AI
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed sweeping child safety legislation imposing new restrictions on social media platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots. Describing federal inaction as an 'abomination', Newsom positioned the state's new regulatory framework as a national model amid growing public pressure over the psychological impact of digital technology on young people. Sources: politico.eu.
According to politico.eu, Gavin Newsom, Governor of California said: “We’re going to again lead the nation, but the bar is pretty damn low, and that’s what’s so frustrating”.
Adam's Law and Algorithmic Restrictions
Among the approved bills is SB 1119, designated as 'Adam's Law' in memory of Adam Raine, a California teenager who died by suicide following extensive interactions with ChatGPT. Co-authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and State Senator Steve Padilla, the law mandates age verification for AI chatbots, limits exposure to inappropriate material, restricts marketing to minors, and restricts chatbots from maintaining persistent memory of minors' private conversations without parental consent. Sources: politico.eu.
According to politico.eu, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, California State Assemblymember and co-author of SB 1119 said: “They have to have default settings that are the most protective of our children, which includes the lack of persistent memory”.
Additionally, Newsom signed AB 1709, authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, which prohibits social media companies from serving personalized recommendation algorithms—such as 'For You' feeds—to users under the age of 16. The statute also restricts features designed to maximize screen time, including infinite scrolling and video autoplay, while leaving standard uncurated feeds accessible. Sources: politico.eu.
Meta agreed to pay state governments up to $18 billion to settle a blockbuster child safety legal action. — according to politico.eu, as reported by politico.eu.
- California has enacted pioneering regulations enforcing default child protections across AI chatbots and social media networks.
- SB 1119 restricts AI conversational memory and targeted advertising aimed at children.
- AB 1709 targets addictive design elements by banning personalized recommendation feeds for minors under 16.
Sources: politico.eu
