Tech group files lawsuit against California social media age verification law

(The Center Square) - Technology group NetChoice filed for an emergency injunction Monday to block California's new social media law before it takes effect January 1, arguing the requirement that platforms verify users' ages would effectively end anonymous speech on major social media sites.

The law requires platforms to obtain parental consent for minors to access personalized feeds and limits minors' social media use to one hour per day unless parents override the restriction.

The lawsuit, filed against California Attorney General Rob Bonta, argues the law creates arbitrary distinctions - allowing streaming services to use recommendation algorithms while regulating similar features on YouTube, and permitting ESPN to send notifications at any hour while restricting social media platforms from doing the same.

"California is again attempting to unconstitutionally regulate minors' access to protected online speech—impairing adults' access along the way," wrote NetChoice in filings against SB 976, California's social media age-verification bill signed into law earlier this year.

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