California governor signs laws aimed at protecting kids from risks of social media

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of new laws to protect children from the dangers of technology, such as social media and AI chatbots. These laws include penalties of up to $1 million per child for large social media companies if they harm children, a ban on addictive feeds for users under 16, and mandatory risk assessments for AI chatbots. The legislation follows a settlement with Meta, which agreed to pay up to $18 billion and improve child safety measures. While Meta expressed concerns about the restrictions, Newsom emphasized the importance of safeguarding children in the digital age. The governor has previously enacted laws requiring platforms to disclose chatbot interactions and limiting smartphone use in schools. These measures aim to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements and ensure children’s safety online. QUESTION: How might these new laws change the way young people interact with technology and social media?