California Requests Public Feedback on Social Media Age Verification Regula

Published Date : 10/30/2025 

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is holding a public meeting to gather comments on SB 976, the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, which aims to implement age assurance and parental consent requirements for social media platforms. 

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a public meeting to solicit public comment to inform its policy on SB 976, also known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act. This law aims to limit addictive features targeting children on social media and other online platforms.

The system design features in question include elements that increase, sustain, or extend the use of the online product, service, or feature by children. These features can range from the automatic playing of media to rewards for time spent and notifications.

NetChoice, a legal lobby for Silicon Valley’s biggest companies, initially appealed SB 976 on the grounds that it violates the U.S. First Amendment. However, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law, ruling that age assurance requirements were outside the scope of the lawsuit. This means that age verification requirements of some description are likely coming to social media users in California. However, NetChoice is likely to fight back on other grounds.

Before any of these requirements are implemented, the DOJ must gather public input. The Act requires the Attorney General to adopt regulations regarding age assurance and parental consent and to solicit public comment about the impact that any regulation might have based on the nondiscrimination characteristics set forth in anti-discrimination law.

The public is welcome to provide input on methods and standards for age assurance on social media, ongoing obligations for operators of social media platforms performing age assurance, and parental consent for the use of social media and other online platforms by minors. Comments can be made, either virtually or in person, at the meeting on Wednesday, November 5. The notice issued by the office of Attorney General Rob Bonta provides information on how to register.

California has been a hotspot for regulatory battles over online safety legislation. A smattering of laws are in the works, as various interests in the state look to cover age checks for social platforms, AI chatbots, and app stores. This ongoing regulatory activity highlights the state’s commitment to protecting children from the potential harms of online platforms.

The public meeting is an important step in ensuring that the regulations are well-informed and balanced, taking into account the diverse perspectives of stakeholders. By engaging with the public, the DOJ aims to create effective and fair regulations that protect children while also respecting the rights and responsibilities of social media platforms and their users. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is SB 976?

A: SB 976, also known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, is a California law aimed at limiting addictive features targeting children on social media and other online platforms.

Q: What does the law aim to regulate?

A: The law aims to regulate features on social media and online platforms that increase, sustain, or extend the use of these platforms by children, such as automatic media playback, rewards for time spent, and notifications.

Q: Why did NetChoice appeal the law?

A: NetChoice, a legal lobby for major tech companies, appealed SB 976 on the grounds that it violates the U.S. First Amendment. However, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law, stating that age assurance requirements were outside the scope of the lawsuit.

Q: How can the public provide input?

A: The public can provide input on methods and standards for age assurance on social media, ongoing obligations for operators of social media platforms, and parental consent for minors. Comments can be made virtually or in person at the meeting on Wednesday, November 5.

Q: What other laws are in the works in California?

A: California is working on several laws related to online safety, including age checks for social platforms, AI chatbots, and app stores. These laws aim to protect children from potential online harms. 

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