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California Senate Committee to Vote on Social Media Kids Bill

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A California Senate committee will vote on AB 1709, introduced by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), to limit social-media features for users under 16.
The bill would require platforms to offer a child version without feeds or autoplay and create an advisory commission.
NetChoice and the state commission led by Darcy Totten oppose the bill, saying it threatens parental choice and could let platforms market themselves as safe for kids.

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Story summary

A California Senate committee will vote on AB 1709, introduced by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), to limit social-media features for users under 16.
The bill would require platforms to offer a child version without feeds or autoplay and create an advisory commission.
NetChoice and the state commission led by Darcy Totten oppose the bill, saying it threatens parental choice and could let platforms market themselves as safe for kids.