Bill > AB656

This bill aims to protect users, especially adolescents, from social media addiction by requiring platforms with over $100 million in annual revenue to provide a clear and straightforward account deletion process. Specifically, the bill mandates that social media platforms must offer a prominently placed "Delete Account" button within their settings menu, accessible across all platforms and formats. The bill prohibits companies from using "dark patterns" - complex or manipulative design techniques that make account deletion difficult - and requires platforms to delete all personal information associated with a user's account upon confirmed deletion. The legislation is motivated by research showing that excessive social media use can negatively impact teenagers' mental health, including increased risks of addiction and suicide-related outcomes. By ensuring easy account cancellation, the bill seeks to give users, particularly young people, more control over their digital interactions and protect their well-being. The bill also includes provisions that make any attempted waiver of its requirements void, emphasizing the importance of these user protection measures.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB656