California social media regulation law gains traction after Meta Google TikTok appeal fails

A federal judge in San Jose, California has denied a preliminary injunction sought by Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok to block enforcement of the state's social media regulation law.

The Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Harms Act aims to curb online harm against minors, particularly children under 16 years old. The law would require social media platforms to verify users' ages and impose penalties on those that fail to comply.

Google, Meta Platforms, and TikTok argued in their appeal that the new regulations would infringe upon their First Amendment rights as private companies with a vested interest in free speech. However, US District Judge Lucy Koh denied their request for an injunction, allowing the state's law to proceed.