Social Media

Commentary

The collapse of California’s news industry is so severe it’ll require taxpayer support to rebuild

The collapse of local news is so severe that it'll require public dollars and other policies to rebuild. A combination of tax credits, revenue sharing and coupons in markets like Los Angeles could bring stability.

By Steven Waldman • January 26, 2024

Commentary

How long will California lawmakers let tech companies make them look like fools?

Lawmakers in California and elsewhere can no longer take the tech industry’s word when their armies of lobbyists make the case that they police themselves and shouldn’t be held accountable. The basis for that trust is nonexistent.

By Casey Mock • January 23, 2024

Commentary

Journalism preservation bill gives California newsrooms much-needed leverage over Big Tech

News publishers in California are divided over proposed legislation that would require tech giants to set aside money for newsrooms. A journalism expert says Assembly Bill 886 would finally force Big Tech to the bargaining table.

By Courtney C. Radsch • January 22, 2024

Commentary

Lawmakers must ensure that preserving California journalism doesn’t enable clickbait

News publishers in California disagree on legislation that would require tech giants to pay newsrooms for content that has become essential to their platforms. A digital media advocate worries that Assembly Bill 886 would favor larger outlets and incentivize clickbait.

By Mike Rispoli • January 22, 2024

Commentary

How liberal California compares to Florida, Texas on social media regulation

The U.S. Supreme Court will examine laws in Florida and Texas that seek to affect how social media platforms moderate content. Meanwhile, a new lawsuit challenges a law in California on the same issue.

By Dan Walters • October 16, 2023

WhatMatters

California lawmakers want to tax guns and ammo

With adjournment edging ever closer next Thursday, legislators are continuing to push through bills to beat the deadline.  On Thursday:  Gun tax: After years of failed efforts, the Legislature sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a measure to tax firearms and ammunition to fund gun violence prevention in California, CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff reports. Assembly Bill 28 by […]

By Lynn La • September 8, 2023

Politics

TikTok ban on state worker phones won’t happen in California this year

A bipartisan bill to prohibit TikTok on state phones is shelved until 2024. It had breezed through the state Legislature, but Gov. Newsom asked for the delay. It's the latest social media regulation to get stalled in California.

By Sameea Kamal • September 7, 2023

Commentary

California teens use social media nonstop. Teaching media literacy in schools could protect them

As the first generation to grow up in a digital world, teens are susceptible to influencer marketing, staged content and misinformation. A legislative proposal would help add media literacy to K-12 education so California children are better equipped for life on social media.

By Guest Commentary • August 2, 2023

Commentary

How a Supreme Court immigration case could help California regulate social media

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving free speech protections and immigration law reaffirmed a longstanding view that could help lawmakers in California and elsewhere attempting to regulate harmful social media algorithms.

By Guest Commentary • July 24, 2023

Commentary

As lawmakers struggle to act, California schools turn to the courts to combat social media

In March, the San Mateo County School Board became the first California school district to sue social media companies for their role in the youth mental health crisis. As state lawmakers struggle to overcome the power and influence of tech giants, local schools are now looking to the courts for help.

By Julie Lynem • May 11, 2023