California lawmakers pass sweeping AI and youth social media restrictions, awaiting Newsom's decision

Key points

• The California Legislature passed 26 bills related to AI and social media, including AB 1709, which prohibits platforms from offering personalized feeds, autoplay, and infinite scroll to users under 16.
• Other measures ban AI chatbots from providing therapy, require human instructors in the California State University system, and prohibit employers from using AI to monitor workers' emotional states.
• Governor Gavin Newsom has until the end of the month to sign or veto the bills; he has not yet announced his position, though he previously supported restricting youth access to social media.
• The legislation follows an $18 billion settlement between Meta and state attorneys general regarding youth safety claims, and aims to address perceived federal inaction on tech regulation.
• Opponents, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and NetChoice, argue the bills are overly broad, threaten privacy through invasive age-verification, and restrict minors' access to essential online communities.

Background

This legislative push occurs as Governor Gavin Newsom shifts toward a more populist stance on AI, contrasting with his previous alignment with the tech industry. Earlier in 2026, Newsom signed executive orders requiring state agencies to collaborate on AI impacts and laws ensuring public school services are provided by natural persons. The current session's actions follow a broader national trend of states stepping in to regulate technology where federal legislation has stalled.

How outlets are covering it

Supporters, including Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal and Senator Steve Padilla, frame the bills as a necessary response to federal inaction and a 'social media disaster,' arguing that regulating design features protects children without banning access entirely. The Sacramento Bee notes the bipartisan support for AB 1709, with Republicans like Carl DeMaio praising the move. Conversely, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) urges Newsom to veto AB 1709, arguing it is a 'privacy and free speech nightmare' that effectively locks out minors by removing basic platform tools and forces invasive data collection for age verification. NetChoice, representing major tech firms, argues that parents already have tools to manage children's online experiences and that one-size-fits-all mandates are unnecessary. Politico notes that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman contacted Newsom regarding concerns over specific AI measures, highlighting industry opposition.

Why it matters

These laws could set a precedent for national AI and social media regulation, influencing how other states and potentially the federal government approach tech oversight. The outcome of Newsom's decision will signal his political direction ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign, balancing his historical ties to Silicon Valley with growing public demand for stricter tech controls.

What to watch

Governor Gavin Newsom must sign or veto the passed bills by the end of the month. If signed, AB 1709 and other measures could face legal challenges from tech companies and civil liberties groups. The legislature also passed bills banning electric shock gloves for law enforcement, a direct response to ICE procurement plans.