Amending AB 1709 Doesn’t Fix It: California’s Social Media Ban Still Threatens Free Speech and Privacy

EFF is opposing California's A.B. 1709 even after recent amendments, arguing the revisions leave its substance intact as a restriction on social media use by people under 16. The group says the measure's sweeping definition of engagement-driving feeds would cover nearly all recommendation systems, effectively cutting minors off from mainstream platforms. EFF warns the law would also endanger the speech and privacy interests of all Californians, likely through age-checking requirements, and is urging state senators to reject it.