California enacts new curbs on social media for children (www.cnbc.com)

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed landmark legislation aimed at protecting minors from harmful technology, including restrictions on social media features designed to be behaviorally addictive. The new laws, which include prohibiting children under 16 from exposure to features like infinite-scroll feeds and algorithmic autoplay, are part of a broader effort to enhance online privacy for minors. Additionally, the legislation bans the manufacture and sale of toys with AI companion chatbots for four years and expands legal repercussions for child sexual abuse material to include digitally altered or AI-generated content. This legislation, dubbed "Adam's Law" in memory of a teenager who tragically took his life after interactions with AI, marks California as a leader in addressing the mental health impacts of technology on youth. While the measures have gained bipartisan support, they face criticism from organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which argue that such restrictions could hinder free speech and access to information. With similar laws emerging in states like Utah and recent legislative actions from Big Tech companies, California's new rules signify a significant shift in how technology, particularly AI, is regulated in relation to child welfare.