A U.S. federal appeals court has largely upheld California’s law restricting social media platforms from offering “addictive feeds” to children without parental consent, in a ruling that could reshape how tech giants design online experiences for minors.
What the Law Does
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Applies to: Social media companies like Google, Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Netflix, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Core restriction: Makes it illegal for platforms to serve algorithmically personalized feeds to children unless parents explicitly approve.
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Rationale: California lawmakers argue such feeds can harm children’s mental health by encouraging compulsive scrolling and social comparison.
Court’s Ruling
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The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected most of NetChoice’s claims that the law violates the First Amendment by limiting how companies “speak” to children.
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Judge Ryan Nelson, writing for the panel, said NetChoice failed to show that unconstitutional applications of the law outweighed constitutional ones.
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Age verification rules (taking effect in 2027) were deemed too early to challenge.
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However, the court did block a requirement that default settings hide likes and comments from children, saying it was not the least restrictive way to protect mental health.
Industry Pushback
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NetChoice, a trade group representing 41 major tech companies, said it was “largely disappointed” by the decision.
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Paul Taske, its litigation co-director, argued the law “usurps the role of parents” and expands government control over lawful online speech.
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NetChoice has also filed lawsuits against similar state-level internet restrictions across the U.S.
What’s Next
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The case now returns to U.S. District Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, who had previously blocked parts of the law.
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For now, California retains one of the strongest legal frameworks in the U.S. aimed at curbing social media’s impact on children.
Broader Context
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The ruling adds momentum to state-led efforts to regulate youth access to social media amid rising concerns over depression, anxiety, and addiction linked to digital platforms.
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Tech firms argue these laws could fragment the internet and undermine innovation, while advocates say they are essential to protect minors in an era of algorithm-driven engagement.