California Lawmakers Advance Social Media Bills Despite Meta Settlement
California lawmakers are pressing ahead with new social media legislation, despite a proposed $17 billion settlement between Meta and state attorneys general. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, D-Orinda, stated that while the settlement is a "huge vindication," it represents only a fraction of what needs to be done. Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, has a bill pending that would require social media companies to offer users under 16 a version of their platforms without personalized feeds and establish an e-safety advisory committee. Another proposed measure would hold social media platforms liable for injuries to children if they fail to exercise ordinary care. Both bills must pass the Legislature by August 31 to be considered by Governor Gavin Newsom. Meta, in response, has called on other platforms like YouTube and TikTok to adopt similar restrictions. 
