Statement on California's Social Media Liability Bill Failure to Pass

SAN FRANCISCO, August 11, 2022— Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee failed to pass a bill to hold social media platforms accountable for features designed to be addictive to kids and teens. The hearing follows a long partnership between Common Sense Media and the Children's Advocacy Institute in promoting the importance of Assembly Bill 2408. Jim Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media issued the following statement after the vote.

"Today's decision by the California State Senate to hold AB 2408 is a big loss for kids and families and sends the wrong message about the urgency with which we need to hold Big Tech accountable for addicting kids to their platforms. Senator Portantino made it clear that the safety and wellbeing of kids is not a top priority and we couldn't disagree more. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure kids have the protections they need and deserve.

"We must all remember today's inaction by Senator Portantino and members of the Senate. Kids are going to pay the price with every hour they spend scrolling and every app feature that purposefully manipulates and monopolizes their attention. Our kids needed protections from Big Tech and the Senate failed them."

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About Common Sense
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org.

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