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Committee moves AB 2 to Judiciary after emotional testimony and industry opposition
Summary
AB 2 would set statutory damages guidance for proven negligence by large social platforms toward children; survivor testimony and advocacy groups urged passage while industry warned of overbroad litigation risk. Committee vote moved the bill onward.
Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 2, saying the bill would impose statutory remedies and damage levels for cases that reach trial and for which negligence by large social media platforms has been proven. The author framed the measure as a way to ensure financial incentives exist to prompt design changes that reduce harm to children.
Parents and victims’ advocates gave emotional testimony. Juliana Arnold, executive director of Parents Scribe, described losing her daughter and said platform design can "steal" a child’s wellbeing. Tech Oversight and other sponsors argued that recent jury verdicts show a path to accountability and that statutory damages would create consistent remedies for harmed families.
Industry witnesses including TechNet, TechNet‑affiliated groups, and the Computer Communications Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing it risks expansive litigation, that the line between content and design is fact specific, and that courts are already addressing these issues. They cautioned against broad private causes of action and urged clearer standards for when heightened penalties should apply.
Committee members focused on enforcement and whether enhanced remedies would produce meaningful consumer protection. Senators expressed support for stronger remedies as a tool to protect children but noted questions for the Judiciary Committee. The bill was moved to Judiciary for further review.
