California Forces Social Platforms to Act on Verified Child-Risk Reports
Sacramento – October 19, 2026 -- Large social media platforms operating in California must answer verified child-safety reports within 72 or 24 hours from January 1, 2026, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Youth Social Media Protection Act (AB 2481) into law.
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal authored the bill, which the Organization for Social Media Safety sponsored.
AB 2481 creates a verified reporting channel for school and mental health staff
Platforms must set up a system that lets school principals, most school counselors and licensed mental health professionals report content posing a severe risk to a child. Reporting is voluntary for these professionals. Covered threats include cyberbullying, suicide-related content, drug trafficking, violence and sexual predation.
The response deadline, 72 or 24 hours, depends on the severity of the risk. Every report also requires human review by the platform.