A new bill that could drastically alter how social media platforms handle users under the age of consent has been signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The AB 2273 bill mandates that “internet platforms must consider the best interests of kid users and default to privacy and safety settings that protect children’s mental and physical health and wellness. The law aims to further limit the kinds of information that platforms can gather about youngsters. “AB 2273 prohibits companies that provide online services, products or features likely to be accessed by children from using a child’s personal information; collecting, selling or retaining a child’s geolocation; profiling a child by default; and leading or encouraging children to provide personal information,” according to Newsom’s press release.

It’s still unclear, though, exactly what this will mean in terms of social media, games, and other online platforms. Additionally, the IT sector as well as privacy advocates have already voiced strong opposition to the bill.

Digital rights organisations have voiced concern that mandating businesses to identify minor users may have an adverse impact on everyone’s right to privacy. The bill is so ambiguously and broadly written that it will almost certainly result in the widespread use of intrusive age verification methods that subject kids (and everyone else) to more surveillance while purporting to protect their privacy, according to a statement by Fight For the Future criticising the legislation. It is also extremely impossible to use online services anonymously when age verification is required,