California Bill Targets Social Media Access for Youth

California lawmakers are advancing A.B. 1709, a proposed bill that bans social media access for individuals under 16 years old and requires all users to verify their identities before accessing platforms. This requirement involves submitting sensitive government-issued IDs or biometric information to private companies, which critics argue undermines online anonymity and raises privacy concerns. Already passing through significant committees with overwhelming support, it is set for a full Assembly vote soon.