Regulatory Watch  /  California  /  New law
Moderate impactNew lawSigned

California AB 1709, a ban on social media for under‑16, signed into law

AB 1709 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. The law imposes a functional ban on social media use for people under the age of 16 and requires age‑verification. Critics say the ban will increase data collection and limit free expression for minors.

Why it matters: The law restricts minors' access to social media and raises privacy and free‑speech concerns.

Summary generated from the sources below. Check the primary source before relying on it; this is not legal advice.

Sources
We All Deserve a Better Internet, Not A Smaller One
EFF updates · primary source · Sep 10, 2026
California Enacts Covered Platform Age Restrictions and Establishes e-Safety Advisory Commission
Hunton Privacy & Cybersecurity Law Blog · Sep 24, 2026
Details
JurisdictionCalifornia
LegislatureCalifornia State Assembly
LawAB 1709
BillAB 1709
StatusSigned
PublishedSeptember 10, 2026
Effectivenot stated
DecisionSeptember 10, 2026
Topicschildren, privacy, consent, access
Datapersonal