Two Kids’ Online Safety Bills Backed by Common Sense Media Clear Major Hurdle in California Legislature
AB 56 would require warning labels on social media platforms; AB 1064 would establish safety standards for AI used by kids
SAN FRANCISCO, April 22, 2025 — Two landmark bills to protect kids online backed by Common Sense Media and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan cleared a significant hurdle in the California legislature, winning support from the powerful Assembly Privacy Committee. One bill would require for the first time warning labels on social media platforms; the other would be the nation's first legislation to protect children from unsafe AI use.
In response, James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, issued the following statement:
"We applaud the Privacy Committee and its members for approving these landmark bills to protect kids online. And we deeply appreciate Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, the chair of the committee, for her leadership on both bills, AB 56 and AB 1064, as well as the broad coalition of advocates who joined us to champion safeguards on social media and AI.
"By requiring warning labels on social media platforms — the same way we do for products like alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs — AB 56 will help to keep families informed about the mental health risks associated with social media use, particularly for young users. We thank Attorney General Bonta for his sponsorship of this bill.
"And in today's digital world, where kids use AI for everything from hobbies to homework, AB 1064's focus on transparency, safety, and accountability will empower consumers with information to help them understand the risks of AI and also protect them from harm. This bill is simple — it says that before kids use AI tools, we need to know if those tools are safe for kids.
"When kids' well-being is on the line, inaction is inexcusable. Passage in the Privacy Committee is a key first step, and we look forward to the continued advancement of these and other bills that make children a top priority in our AI-driven and social media-dominated landscape."
A fact sheet on AB56 can be found here and on AB1064 here. Common Sense Media sponsored both bills. The bills are expected to be considered next by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 29th.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.3 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.
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