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Committee hears AB 56 calling for warning labels on social media over youth mental health risks
Summary
AB 56 would require social media apps to show warnings about mental‑health risks to children and to display periodic session notices; parents and AG’s office urged passage after testimony by families.
Assemblymember presented AB 56, a bill to require warning labels and periodic notices on social media platforms aimed at adolescents and users under 18. The author described the measure as a light‑touch, educational requirement modeled on public health warnings and the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory about youth mental health and social media.
A number of witnesses testified in support. Victoria Hinks, a mother who said her teenage daughter died by suicide after exposure to harmful social media content, gave emotional testimony urging lawmakers to pass the bill. The California Attorney General's office supported the measure and recounted prior multi‑state activity urging clearer information for consumers about social media risks. Common Sense Media and other child‑advocacy organizations also supported the bill.
Industry and technology trade groups registered opposition or “respectful opposition,” warning that the proposed labels could be constitutionally vulnerable and would likely be litigated. TechNet and other industry witnesses argued labels would be overbroad, risk being ignored, or could be seen as compelled speech. Several groups said they were willing to work with the author to refine the language.
Committee members expressed sympathy for families and concern about youth mental health. Some members said they would back the bill despite expected legal challenges, noting the committee’s role is to craft public policy. The author accepted committee amendments to narrow scope and to allow platforms to skip certain warnings for verified adult users.
Outcome: The committee moved AB 56 forward. Proponents and opposition said they will continue to negotiate technical language and constitutional questions as the bill advances.
