Parents who sued social media companies like Instagram and TikTok for harming children who have become addicted to their products will no longer be able to do so in California. Here’s why
Introduction of the first-of-its-kind proposal in its legislature
Now only prosecutors can file lawsuits against social media companies. Moreover, the revised proposal would still make social media companies liable for damages of up to $250,000 per violation for using features they know can cause children to become addicted.
The legislation, which was introduced by Republican Assembly member Jordan Cunningham, was amended last month.
The bill’s author, Republican Assembly member Jordan Cunningham said that the change has been made to avoid opening ”the floodgates to frivolous claims”. Adding to it, “Lawmakers seem to be more comfortable letting this be handled by the public prosecutors. They already end up taking the lead on this kind of consumer protection type stuff.”
Opposition by social media companies
The bill is facing opposition from tech companies that are based in California. Furthermore, they claim it is nearly impossible to separate social media content from the features companies use to deliver it.
If the companies conduct quarterly audits of their features and remove any harmful products within 30 days of learning they cause children to become addicted, the bill would exempt social media companies from these lawsuits.
Cunningham said the legislation would give social media companies an incentive to police themselves to avoid penalties. Additionally, he highlighted that most other products are covered under consumer protection laws that allow people to sue companies for selling products they know to be dangerous.
