Google, Meta and TikTok sue California over its child safety laws

Companies challenge California measure

The lawsuits were filed on Wednesday by Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok. They argue that the law requires platforms to use California’s preferred approach to showing content to children, reducing parental control.

The companies also say the law conflicts with Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, which offers broad legal protections to websites over content submitted by users. Google filed in federal court in San Jose, Meta sued in San Francisco, and TikTok filed in Los Angeles.

Platforms cite editorial control

Meta says the state cannot dictate how it selects and displays billions of posts, while children can still spend unlimited time on other platforms offering similar services. TikTok argued that protected speech cannot be restricted only because lawmakers consider certain ideas or images unsuitable for young people.

Law awaits its effective date

Newsom signed the measure on September 10, saying children’s safety should be central to discussions about technology. He said California would not stand by as unregulated technology put children at risk.