Golden State Today

The LA Times published an op-ed yesterday highlighting the urgent need for Senate Bill 976 (SB 976), The Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addition Act. SB 976, authored by Senator Skinner (D-Berkeley) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, would limit the harms associated with social media addiction, and marks an important continuation of Attorney General Bonta’s commitment to improving child safety online.

The op-ed emphasized the reluctance of social media platforms to implement safeguards for children, leading lawmakers to take action. This sentiment was echoed by the American Psychological Association, urging policymakers to hold tech companies accountable for the risks present in their platforms.

Senator Nancy Skinner's SB 976 aims to address these concerns by requiring social media platforms to modify their algorithms for users under 18, providing a safer online environment. Attorney General Rob Bonta, a key supporter of the bill, previously took legal action against Meta for employing tactics to keep young users engaged on their platforms.

Despite the reasonable nature of the proposed safeguards, the tech industry has opposed SB 976, indicating potential legal challenges ahead. The industry's resistance highlights the necessity for legislative intervention in the absence of voluntary changes to protect children online.

In conclusion, the op-ed underlines the vital role of lawmakers in enforcing regulations that prioritize the safety of young individuals in the digital sphere, especially when social media companies are reluctant to take necessary steps themselves.