Statement on AB 1709 Advancing in CA Senate Appropriations Committee

August 13, 2026 - The Senate Appropriations Committee today advanced AB 1709 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, sending the bill to the Senate floor. The bill already received bi-partisan approval in the Assembly. AB 1709 would prevent social media companies from allowing kids under 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms that have addictive features. Common Sense Media co-sponsored the measure.

Jim Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, issued the following statement:

"We do not sell cigarettes to thirteen-year-olds in California. We shouldn't let social media companies hook them with addictive features, either. AB 1709 keeps kids under 16 off addictive sites. Josh Lowenthal is doing what the companies refused to do for themselves. The Senate should finish the job."

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.