California Addictive Features Ban for Under-16s (AB 1709)
California Addictive Features Ban for Under-16s (AB 1709) in California: pending, effective TBD (awaiting Governor). Applies to Covered online platforms with users under 16 in California. Age range: Under 16. Prohibits offering 'addictive features' to users under 16
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | California |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Media |
| Status | pending |
| Effective date | TBD (awaiting Governor) |
| Age range | Under 16 |
| Applies to | Covered online platforms with users under 16 in California |
Key requirements
- Prohibits offering 'addictive features' to users under 16
- Requires reasonable measures to prevent minors under 16 from accessing such features
- Establishes a state e-Safety Advisory Commission
Notes
Passed the Legislature August 31, 2026. Governor Newsom must sign or veto by September 30, 2026.
Frequently asked
What does California Addictive Features Ban for Under-16s (AB 1709) require?
Prohibits offering 'addictive features' to users under 16 Requires reasonable measures to prevent minors under 16 from accessing such features Establishes a state e-Safety Advisory Commission
Who must comply with California Addictive Features Ban for Under-16s (AB 1709) in California?
Covered online platforms with users under 16 in California
When does California Addictive Features Ban for Under-16s (AB 1709) take effect and what is its status?
Effective TBD (awaiting Governor). Current status: pending. Passed the Legislature August 31, 2026. Governor Newsom must sign or veto by September 30, 2026.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) | California | Consumer Privacy | active | September 2025 |
| California Mental Health Warnings (AB 56) | California | Consumer Privacy | pending | January 1, 2027 |
| Children's Social Media Safety Act (HB 5511) | Illinois | Social Media | pending | 2028 |
| Kids Over Clicks — Youth Online Safety Package (SB 757-760) | Michigan | Social Media | pending | TBD (pending House) |
| Nevada Youth Online Safety Act (SB 63) | Nevada | Social Media | active | January 1, 2026 |
| Social Media Safety Act (SB 396) & 2025 Amendments (Acts 900 / 901) | Arkansas | Social Media | blocked | N/A (enjoined) |
| Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976) | California | Social Media | challenged | January 1, 2025 (partial); age verification January 1, 2027 |
| Healthier Social Media Use by Youth Act (HB 24-1136) | Colorado | Social Media | blocked | N/A (enjoined) |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: CCPA / CPRA policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: CCPA CPRA Compliance Bundle (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: CCPA Cybersecurity Audit & Privacy Risk Assessment Kit (ciso.diy)