Meta Lobbies California to Avoid Child Harm Penalties

Meta Seeks Exemption from California Child Protection Laws

Meta is actively lobbying California legislators to shield itself from potential penalties under proposed child protection laws, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as state lawmakers consider Assembly Bill 2 (AB 2), which would hold social media platforms financially liable for harms caused to minors.

Background: The $6 Million Precedent

The urgency stems from a landmark March 2026 ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, which found Meta and YouTube liable for $6 million in damages after determining their platforms contributed to social media addiction and negative health impacts. This precedent-setting case established that platforms could face significant financial consequences for their effects on users.

AB 2's Stiff Penalties

The proposed California legislation would:

• Impose fines up to $1 million per affected child
• Hold platforms accountable for failing to implement adequate safeguards
• Define liability when platforms "fail to exercise ordinary care or skill" in protecting minors

Internal documents reviewed by like.tg reveal Meta lobbyists have approached Senate Judiciary Chair Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) with draft amendments that would create exemptions for social media companies meeting unspecified criteria.

Meta's Growing Political Influence

Data from OpenSecrets shows Meta's political spending has steadily increased:

• 2025 lobbying expenditures: $26.3 million
• Primary focus areas: AI regulation and opposing international tech laws
• California-specific lobbying efforts now accelerating

The Ethical Debate

Child safety advocates argue Meta's lobbying efforts undermine legislative attempts to protect young users. "Platforms shouldn't use financial influence to avoid responsibility for documented harms," said one advocate speaking anonymously to like.tg. Legal experts note the outcome could set national precedents for tech accountability.

The bill remains under active consideration in the California legislature, with amendments expected before any final vote. like.tg will continue monitoring this developing story as Meta balances regulatory compliance with shareholder expectations.