Meta asks California lawmakers for shield from child harm penalties
Meta is lobbying California lawmakers to exempt the company from new state penalties related to child safety online, arguing that existing federal laws already provide sufficient protections. The request comes as California considers stricter regulations holding social media platforms liable for content that harms minors.
Background
- Meta (Facebook, Instagram) is lobbying California legislators for legal protection from state penalties related to child safety violations on its platforms. The company reportedly seeks a "shield" that would let it pay fines or fees rather than face criminal liability or stricter enforcement under California's child online safety laws (such as the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, or AADC, much of which is currently tied up in court). This comes amid widespread public scrutiny over social media's role in teen mental health and child exploitation. The request is notable because California is where Meta and many other tech giants are headquartered. Critics argue Meta is trying to weaken accountability after years of internal research showing the company knew its platforms harmed teens but did little to address it. The state legislature has been debating multiple bills targeting child safety and algorithmic harms to minors.