Meta ($META), Google, TikTok sue to halt enforcement of California youth law

Meta, Google, and TikTok have each filed suit to block enforcement of California's AB 1709, which bars certain social media features—including algorithmically curated feeds and autoplay—for users under 16; Meta's and TikTok's complaints were dated November 4, and NetChoice said the three companies are seeking a stay of enforcement before the law takes effect along with a ruling that it is unconstitutional. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill on September 10, and his office said it targets features driven by a user's activity history or profile. The coordinated challenge matters because it tests whether states can restrict engagement-optimized design for minors, a template other legislatures may follow. Watch for a court ruling on the stay request and any narrowing of the covered features before compliance deadlines arrive.