Google, Meta and TikTok sue California over children's feeds
Google, Meta and TikTok filed separate lawsuits against a California law restricting algorithmic feeds for users under 16, arguing it violates the First Amendment.
Google, Meta and TikTok filed separate lawsuits seeking to block a California law that restricts algorithmic feeds for users under 16, The Verge reported, citing Reuters.
The companies argued that the law violates the First Amendment and Section 230.
The lawsuits were filed separately, but they share the same argument: the law forces platforms to present content to children under 16 in a way the government finds acceptable.
California DOJ spokesperson Elissa Perez said the state is "committed to defending California's commonsense laws to protect kids online," according to The Verge. The legal challenge comes as calls in the United States to regulate social media platforms grow, particularly over content that reaches teenagers.
What do these terms mean?
First Amendment: A U.S. constitutional amendment protecting free speech and the press from government restrictions.
Section 230: A provision of the U.S. Communications Decency Act that shields platforms from liability for content posted by users.
Algorithmic feed: A list of content ordered for a user by an automated system based on their behaviour and interests.
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