The law, if enacted, will force social media companies to implement "age assurance" systems to determine whether users are adults or minors. The new law will force millions of Californians to upload government documents, biometrics, or other personal data simply to view or share lawful speech online.

NetChoice, the tech trade group challenging the mandate, argues that SB 976 transforms social media platforms into state-controlled data collection systems, compelling identity verification that chills speech and exposes users to unprecedented privacy risks. The Attorney General has until January 2027 to define the regulations that will potentially trigger new constitutional challenges.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has just given a huge boost to California's plan to continue building one of the most expansive digital verification regimes in the country.

The appeals court refused to rehear NetChoice v. Bonta, leaving in place a ruling that allows California to advance a system critics warn could become a statewide online digital ID requirement.

The court's decision keeps intact most of Senate Bill 976, the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act.

The bill was signed by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2024.

The law forces social media companies to implement "age assurance" systems to determine whether users are adults or minors.

However, the law means that all adults will be required to submit proof of age to access social media.

In practice, that means platforms may have to require digital ID checks for all users.

The new law will force millions of Californians to upload government documents, biometrics, or other personal data simply to view or share lawful speech online.

"We will explore all available options"

NetChoice, the tech trade group challenging the mandate, warned that the Ninth Circuit's refusal opens the door to sweeping online surveillance.

The group said it "will explore all available options to protect free speech and privacy online" after the court denied its petition for rehearing.