The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a public meeting scheduled for November 5, 2025, to gather comments on the upcoming rulemaking process for SB 976, known as the “Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act.” This law is designed to shield minors from addictive features found on online platforms, including social media. The Attorney General is required by the Act to develop regulations that support its objectives.
The DOJ is seeking input from the public regarding methods and standards for age assurance on social media and other online platforms used by minors. They are also interested in hearing about ongoing obligations for operators of these platforms when performing age assurance, as well as requirements around parental consent for minors’ use of such services.
“The Act requires the Attorney General to adopt regulations regarding age assurance and parental consent and solicit public comment about the impact that any regulation might have based on the nondiscrimination characteristics set forth in anti-discrimination law. California DOJ welcomes input regarding all of these subjects, and in particular: Methods and standards for age assurance on social media and other online platforms used by minors. Ongoing obligations for operators of social media platforms performing age assurance. Parental consent for use of social media and other online platforms by minors.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta encouraged participation: “Attorney General Bonta invites all interested persons to provide oral comments on California DOJ’s SB 976 rulemaking in-person or virtually at the following forum, or by submitting written comments to sb976@doj.ca.gov. Please note that any information provided is subject to the Public Records Act.”
The meeting will take place at Elihu Harris Auditorium in Oakland and will also be accessible via Zoom at https://doj-ca.zoomgov.com/j/1601800896. Each attendee may have approximately three minutes to speak during the public comment period, although this may be adjusted depending on attendance.
Requests for accessibility accommodations should be made at least five business days before the meeting by contacting sb976@doj.ca.gov. Additional details about the event can be obtained from Stacey Schesser at 510-879-1248 or via email at sb276@doj.ca.gov, or through https://oag.ca.gov/meetings.
SB 976 aims to address concerns over how digital platforms engage with minors and mandates regulatory oversight concerning age verification practices and parental involvement.
