The Electronic Frontier Foundation and allies argue that California's AB 1709, which bans social media for anyone under 16, will harm young people by cutting them off from communities and information rather than protecting them. The law also requires age verification that forces companies to collect more personal data from everyone.

• Social media bans are ineffective at protecting youth while denying them spaces to develop voices, share art, practice religion, and engage politically
• Age verification requirements will force companies to collect more data on all users, concentrating corporate power rather than protecting privacy
• The law disproportionately harms marginalized youth, including LGBTQ+ teens who rely on online communities for safety and connection unavailable offline