The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has largely upheld California’s “Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act” (SB 976), a law designed to mitigate the impact of social media on minors. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding digital platforms and youth safety.
Enacted in September 2024, SB 976 imposes several restrictions on social media platforms operating in California. Key provisions include:
- Prohibiting platforms from providing algorithm-driven “addictive feeds” to minors without parental consent.
- Restricting notifications to minors during school hours and late at night.
- Setting minors’ accounts to private by default.
These measures aim to address concerns about the potential negative effects of social media on young users, such as increased rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. ([gov.ca.gov](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/09/20/governor-newsom-signs-landmark-bill-to-protect-kids-from-social-media-addiction-takes-action-on-other-measures/?utm_source=openai))
NetChoice, a trade association representing major tech companies including Google, Meta, and X, challenged the law, arguing that it infringes upon First Amendment rights and imposes undue burdens on online platforms. The association contended that the law’s requirements could lead to increased data collection, potentially compromising user privacy. ([netchoice.org](https://netchoice.org/netchoice-disappointed-in-ninth-circuit-ruling-on-californias-online-censorship-surveillance-law/?utm_source=openai))
In its ruling, the Ninth Circuit rejected most of NetChoice’s objections. The court found that the law’s restrictions on algorithmic feeds and notification settings for minors are justified by the state’s interest in protecting children’s mental health. However, the court did block a provision requiring social media accounts to hide likes and comments by default, ruling that it wasn’t the least restrictive way to protect young users’ mental health. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/california-limits-addictive-social-media-feeds-children-largely-upheld-2025-09-09/?utm_source=openai))
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a proponent of SB 976, emphasized the importance of the legislation in safeguarding children from the addictive nature of social media platforms. He highlighted the mounting evidence showing the devastating toll that social media addiction can have on children’s mental health and well-being. ([oag.ca.gov](https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secures-early-win-defending-california-law-protecting?utm_source=openai))
NetChoice expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and indicated plans to explore all available avenues to defend the First Amendment. The association maintains that the law usurps parental authority and gives the government more power over how legal speech is shared online. ([netchoice.org](https://netchoice.org/netchoice-disappointed-in-ninth-circuit-ruling-on-californias-online-censorship-surveillance-law/?utm_source=openai))
This ruling adds to a series of legal battles over state-level regulations aimed at protecting minors online. Similar laws in Ohio and Florida have faced judicial scrutiny, with courts blocking provisions that were deemed to infringe upon free speech rights. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/court-blocks-california-law-childrens-online-safety-2025-03-14/?utm_source=openai))
As digital platforms continue to evolve, the balance between protecting youth and preserving constitutional rights remains a contentious issue. The Ninth Circuit’s decision underscores the complexities involved in regulating online spaces, particularly concerning the well-being of younger users.