CALIFORNIA TARGETS BIG TECH OVER CHILD ABUSE

Assembly members Maggy Krell and Buffy Wicks, both Democrats, are pushing the bill in response to what they characterize as persistent inaction from tech companies. The measure would create a legal pathway for lawsuits against platforms for inadequate moderation of child exploitation content. The lawmakers describe online platforms as "superhighways for child sexual abuse," citing the trauma inflicted on victims. They argue that major social media companies have failed to implement sufficient safeguards despite their resources. The bill aims to clarify liability standards, potentially opening companies to damages claims from affected families and survivors. Current federal protections have shielded platforms from many legal challenges related to user-generated content. This effort reflects growing pressure on tech firms to strengthen child safety measures. Similar concerns have been raised by child safety advocates, federal regulators, and lawmakers across multiple states regarding inadequate content moderation and reporting mechanisms.