#sb 976

[botgal]

California Department of Justice Releases Proposed "Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976)” Regulations

OAKLAND — The California Department of Justice (California DOJ) today released proposed regulations under Senate Bill (SB) 976, also known a

SB 976, California's social media addiction act that passed in 2024, has been a looming threat over the heads of California citizens for their digital privacy. The government as finally opened a public comment period where the average Californian can give a piece of their minds about potential regulations for this act. Though the bill is passed, this is another opportunity we have to let those in charge know why it's a terrible idea to think that these kinds of laws would do anything but hand over more data to big tech companies and put a leash on the ability to speak freely over the internet

There's instructions on this web page about how to send in public comments either via email or physical mail, which will have a deadline of 45 days from now on 6/30/2026. This is not going to be the deadline of when these regulations will be enacted, but they'll be a big step in how these things can move forward, and a time when people can protest on what these regulations represent in a world increasingly moving towards a nanny state and government surveillance of our online activity.

I implore anyone in California who sees this to leave a public comment to let them know the dangers of measures like requiring the use of government IDs and age verification measures like biometrics to enforce this kind of heavy-handed paternalistic state tactics on Californians who want a safe, free, and private internet.

[botgal]

I was very disappointed when I heard that sb 976 was passed but I have a feeling we can do something before it takes affect. I'm just trying not to lose hope. All these awful Internet bills that are trying to be passed are so fucking stupid.

Sadly after the governor's desk it's out of people's hands. What happens next is up to the courts and subsequent legislation to fix. This newest wave of censorship and political fear mongering is nothing but the next big "fad" of politicians trying to take care of a problem without getting to the root of it.

But if it makes you feel any better, Netchoice has already spoken out against this bill very recently. And there's always the possibility it could be challenged in court.

There are always limits to what we can do. But we can always do something.

Write to your CA politicians and tell them in the next legislative session next year about your concerns with this bill and how you'd like it to be repealed. Get involved in your state elections and put into power people who represent your interests. There are many people in California who make our laws, and the more we have potentially on our side, the better.

Laws and time come and go. We can endure them, fight them, and change them.

[botgal]

I’m sorry to ask this, I’m really dumb when it comes to politics and laws, etc. But do you know if SB 976 is going to affect the rest of the US?? Or is it just a California issue?

So in general intent, the law should theoretically only affect users living in California, and not the rest of the country.

However, because many tech companies are based in California, it's unknown yet if changes to their home state would have them use it only on California, or extend it to other states to make things easier on themselves. All dependent on how federal and other state laws own laws on such and if theyre stricter, of course.

So I can't quite give a solid yes or no. Just give the possibilities.

[botgal]

Why can’t these pro KOSA and pro SB 976 American politicians not realize not everyone who uses the internet and sites like YouTube (since YouTube headquarters is in San Bruno, California) is an American? Why should people who don’t even live in the USA give American politicians their personal information just so the average non American person can watch a YouTube video or something?

I have no clue, anon. These politicians and supporters simply don't think things through to the lasting repercussions. Only what they perceive as a good thing without long-term vision. That and those who outright want to use them for censorship.

[botgal]

Very anxious and terrified to hear about Newsom signing the bill as someone who lives in California, yet somewhat relieved it won’t go into effect until 2027. Anything on AB 1949?

I understand. Hopefully the ruling and enforcement will be reasonable and possibly stop using it altogether when it proves too difficult to enforce safely, or that the courts will end up doing away with it. Or that another politician will make another measure to do away with it. I understand the stress, but please don't give up hope yet.

As for AB 1949, no, no word on signing or veto yet. But I'm keeping an eye out.

[botgal]

Any update on SB 976? heard it was sign into law but does not come into force until 2027

Unfortunately yes. Governor Newsome signed it into law sometime on Friday I believe. Unfortunately given how Newsom is, this was not surprising. Though it never did hurt for us to send in our opinions and urge to veto on the matter. And I'm very grateful to anyone who did.

And yes, you're correct. The text of the bill says it shouldn't come into effect until 2027.

"This bill, the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, would make it unlawful for the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application, as defined, to provide an addictive feed to a user, unless the operator does not have actual knowledge that the user is a minor; commencing January 1, 2027, has reasonably determined that the user is not a minor; or has obtained verifiable parental consent to provide an addictive feed to the user who is a minor.

The bill would define “addictive feed” as an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application, in which multiple pieces of media generated or shared by users are recommended, selected, or prioritized for display to a user based on information provided by the user, or otherwise associated with the user or the user’s device, as specified, unless any of certain conditions are met.

The bill would make it unlawful for the operator of an addictive internet-based service or application, between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., in the user’s local time zone, and between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday from September through May in the user’s local time zone, to send notifications to a user if the operator has actual knowledge that the user is a minor or, commencing January 1, 2027, has not reasonably determined that the user is not a minor, unless the operator has obtained verifiable parental consent to send those notifications, as specified. The bill would set forth related provisions for certain access controls determined by the verified parent through a mechanism provided by the operator."

Some of the bill's language implies it Could come into effect before 2027 to a degree, at least under the idea of "actual knowledge" rather than "reasonably determined", which is what it will become starting 2027. Which is its own point of concern. But as of now it's out of our hands as far as politicians go.

You can still take some action, like maybe sending emails to people like EFF or the ACLU. But for the most part, this is in the hands of the courts to decide how far this can go.

But thank you to anyone else who took the time and effort for this irregardless. We took 3 bills fully out of the running this year alone. For that, you should be proud. No matter what else ends up happening next with AB 1949. You did your best. No one could ask for more.

[botgal]

Is there a another voting on AB 1949 and SB 976 when going to Governor's desk? If so, when is the voting for both?

No. At that point it's only either Governor Newsom signs them or not. There will be no further votes on either, and I can't find any information as to when he'll assign his signatures or vetos. So it's best to just keep calling and messaging him to get your opinion in until we hear otherwise.

Contact the Governor | Governor of California

You can contact the Governor a few different ways. The best way is through his online form.

[botgal]

I’m genuinely so scared for the California bills as someone who lives in California as tumblr and other places on the internet are a safe place for me, I’m trying not to panic but I don’t know what else to really think of right now, I’m trying to think of some positives but with the information you’ve given me it’s not looking good so far and I’m very scared right now

I understand the unease. But please know that even if these bills pass in the coming month, it's not an immediate end to the internet as we know it.

If nothing else will make you feel better, know that these bills have already been changed vastly from when they were first introduced. AB 1949 is now essentially the same law we have now except pushed up a couple years, with the standard being that the sites must KNOW if a user is under 18 to be held liable, which will help mitigate extra restrictions. Rather than the more dangerous stance of them being able to "reasonably guess" the users ages.

And while SB 976 is going forward with not as many amendments as we would've liked, it will not come into effect until 2027, and is already on the radar of groups like the ACLU and Netchoice. Who can fight it in court on First Amendment arguments considering it's link to age verification. Especially since a noted part of it's basis for it is on the California Age Appropriate Design Code Act. Which at present is being held in injunction by the Ninth Circuit court.

We don't want these bills to pass. But if they do, it's not the end of the fight on them and what they represent. (If it helps, the bill author is also leaving open the possibility to add a cleanup followup bill to specify things later down the line. But we will focus on whether to stop that or to push for certain amendments depending on what the contents are when the time comes.)

Remember, these are only two of five or six bills of this nature that managed to push through to this stage! And have been amended a lot since their original, far worse incarnations. And we're only at this point where these two lesser versions of the bills are the only ones to worry about because of everyone calling and writing and making noise about them to draw the attention of bigger institutions that can fight them in the future.

There will always be a fight. But what's important is we not let despair take us over.

Let yourself be scared. It's natural to be. But please breathe and be assured that the fear does not need to mean an instant loss. Call your reps. Vote in elections to get people who represent your interests. It's only over when you stop trying.