Statement on Committee Passage of Senator Skinner’s Kids Online Safety Bill 

SAN FRANCISCO, June 27, 2023— The California Assembly Judiciary Committee today approved Senate Bill 680, suggesting that California may once again become a national leader in protecting kids online. This critical reform would hold social media companies liable for their addictive design features and for the online sale of, or creating access to, fentanyl and ghost guns to minors. James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media issued the following statement after the vote.

"Approval of this critical bill today shows that momentum is building to protect California's kids online," said Steyer. " This legislation to hold social media companies accountable for features that are designed to be addictive and harmful to kids and teens is long overdue, and we look forward to seeing this bill signed into law by Governor Newsom later this year."

"Common Sense Media is proud to be a leading supporter of this bill and we are grateful to see policymakers taking a step toward a safer, healthier digital ecosystem for kids and families. We thank Budget Committee Chair Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) for her leadership, Attorney General Bonta for sponsoring this legislation, and the broad coalition of advocates for SB 680."

Common Sense Media is working in partnership with the #ProtectCAKidsOnline coalition, the Children's Advocacy Institute, the Jewish Family and Children's Services, #HalftheStory, and the American Association of University Women California (AAUW CA) to gain widespread support for SB 680.

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About Common Sense
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org.

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