Bill > AB1709

This bill establishes new regulations for "covered platforms," which are defined as internet websites, online services, applications, or mobile applications that offer "addictive features" (like notifications, algorithmic feeds, or endless scrolling designed to maximize user engagement and potentially lead to compulsive use) as a significant part of their service. Specifically, it prohibits these platforms from allowing users under 16 years old to create or maintain accounts and requires them to implement reasonable measures to prevent underage users from accessing existing accounts. The bill also mandates that covered platforms verify the age of users and delete accounts and personal information of users found to be under 16, with personal information collected for age verification being used solely for that purpose and retained only as long as necessary. The Attorney General, in consultation with a newly established e-Safety Advisory Commission, is authorized to adopt regulations to implement and enforce these provisions, including potentially expanding the definition of "covered platform" if necessary to protect minors from addictive features. Violations can result in significant civil penalties, up to $50,000 per affected minor for knowing violations and $25,000 for negligent ones, with enforcement actions brought only by the Attorney General or a local public prosecutor. The e-Safety Advisory Commission, housed within the Department of Justice, will advise the Attorney General on online safety matters, including the implementation of this bill, age verification technologies, and harmful platform designs, and will report annually to the Legislature and Governor on its activities and recommendations.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1709