California Assembly discusses AB 656 to simplify social media account deletions

The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee of the California State Assembly convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 656, aimed at enhancing consumer rights regarding social media account deletion and data management. The meeting began with a call for a quorum, which was confirmed after a brief delay.

Assemblymember Shavo introduced AB 656, emphasizing the mental health risks associated with social media, particularly for young users. He highlighted the addictive nature of social media platforms, which often complicate the process of account deletion, making it difficult for users to disengage. Shavo noted that nearly one in five users struggle to find the option to delete their accounts, underscoring the need for legislative intervention.

Robert Hurrell, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, supported the bill, stating that the current processes for account deletion are intentionally complex. He referenced a detailed flowchart illustrating the cumbersome steps required to delete a Facebook account, which he described as a "Kafkaesque nightmare." Hurrell argued that consumers should not face such obstacles when trying to manage their online presence.

The committee heard from various stakeholders, including Becca Kramer from Kaiser Advocacy, who expressed support for the bill. However, Robert Boykin from TechNet voiced opposition, acknowledging ongoing discussions with the bill's authors to find a workable solution.

Committee members engaged in a thorough discussion about the bill's implications. Some raised concerns about the potential for accidental deletions and the need for a balanced approach that protects consumer rights without overwhelming users with prompts to delete accounts. Amendments to the bill were proposed to simplify the deletion process, ensuring that options are clearly accessible within the settings menu of social media platforms.

The committee members expressed a consensus on the necessity of the bill, recognizing the importance of aligning it with existing laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The author assured that the amendments would ensure compliance with the CCPA, allowing users to delete their personal information alongside their accounts.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed their support for the bill, acknowledging the critical need for consumer protection in the digital age. The discussion highlighted a collective commitment to safeguarding the mental health of users, particularly children, while ensuring that social media companies are held accountable for their practices. The committee plans to continue refining the bill before its next review.