CA SB976

Makes it unlawful for operators of addictive internet-based services to provide algorithmically-generated feeds to minors without parental consent, effective immediately, with age verification requirements beginning January 1, 2027.

Prohibits sending notifications to minor users between 12 a.m.-6 a.m. and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday (September-May) without parental consent.

Requires operators to provide parents with mechanisms to set time limits (default one hour per day), block notification hours (default 12 a.m.-6 a.m.), hide engagement metrics, control feed recommendations, and set private account modes (all default on).

Requires annual public disclosure of the number of minor users and those with parental consent for addictive feeds and access control status.

Enforcement limited to civil actions by the Attorney General, who must adopt implementing regulations by January 1, 2027; parental consent does not waive claims for mental health harm.