Bill > AB56

This bill establishes the Social Media Warning Law, which requires social media platforms to display prominent warning labels to users under 18 years old. Specifically, when a user first accesses a covered platform each day, a black box warning must be displayed for at least 10 seconds, occupying 25% of the screen, which can be dismissed by clicking an "X" icon. Additionally, after three hours of cumulative daily use, and then at least once per hour thereafter, a more extensive warning must be shown for 30 seconds, occupying 75% of the screen and cannot be bypassed. The warning text, to be displayed in black text on a white background, reads: "The Surgeon General has warned that while social media may have benefits for some young users, social media is associated with significant mental health harms and has not been proven safe for young users." The bill is motivated by evidence of mental health risks associated with social media use among teenagers, including studies showing increased risks of depression, low self-esteem, and disrupted sleep patterns. Importantly, the bill specifies that these warning requirements do not create a private right of action, meaning users cannot sue platforms based on these provisions, and the law will become operative on January 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB56