Google, Meta and TikTok each sued California to stop a new law that bans features meant to hook users under 16. Parents of teens should watch the outcome.
Three of the biggest names in tech are taking California to court. Google, Meta and TikTok each filed a lawsuit to stop the state from enforcing a new law that protects teens online. The law bans platforms from offering "psychologically exploitative features" to anyone under 16.
The law targets features that are built to pull young users in and keep them there. The material available does not spell out which features count as "psychologically exploitative." That detail matters, and it is likely to be central to the fight.
Meta runs Facebook and Instagram. Google owns YouTube. TikTok is a short video app. Teens use all of them, so any change could shape what a young person sees and how the apps behave. Parents would feel it most. Businesses that market to young people on these platforms may also be watching.
The next step to watch is a court ruling on whether the law can take effect as planned. Until then, nothing changes for teens or families. If the law stands, the apps may have to change how they work for younger users in California.
Nothing changes yet for teens; watch for a court ruling on whether California's law can take effect as planned.
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