Overview
On May 20, 2024, the California Assembly unanimously passed AB 3172, a significant piece of legislation aimed at holding social media companies accountable for the harm they may cause to minors. This bill, sponsored by Common Sense Media, establishes financial liabilities for social media platforms that fail to protect children under 18 from harmful online practices.
Key Features
- Bipartisan Support: The bill received unanimous support from both parties, highlighting a growing concern over the impact of social media on youth mental health.
- Financial Liabilities: If signed into law, social media companies could face statutory damages of $5,000 for each violation, with a cap of $1 million per affected child.
- Legal Framework: The legislation amends California's negligence law, allowing parents to seek compensation for online harms proven in court.
Use Cases
- For Parents: This law empowers parents to hold social media companies accountable for their children's safety online.
- For Advocates: It serves as a model for similar legislation in other states, promoting a safer online environment for minors.
- For Policymakers: The bill provides a framework for addressing the responsibilities of tech companies in protecting vulnerable users.