EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
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Hacker News·Sep 1·5 min read
EFF to Governor Newsom: Veto California's AB 1709
TL;DR
California's Assembly Bill 1709 aims to ban social media use for those under 16, but it risks harming vulnerable youth by limiting access to supportive online communities and infringing on free speech.
✦ Why It Matters
Contact Governor Newsom to express opposition to A.B. 1709 and advocate for youth access to online communities.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the implications of A.B. 1709 on youth access to social media.
- Advocate for the protection of online communities for vulnerable youth.
- Monitor developments regarding age-verification requirements in legislation.
- Engage in discussions about the balance between privacy and access to information.
Full Summary
Assembly Bill 1709 (A.B. 1709) was passed by the California legislature, proposing a ban on social media for individuals under 16. While intended to protect youth, the bill could isolate vulnerable groups from essential online support networks.
It prohibits platforms from using recommendation algorithms, which are crucial for content discovery and community engagement. This approach mischaracterizes basic online features as 'addictive' and overlooks research indicating that social media bans can be counterproductive.
Additionally, the bill would require invasive age-verification methods, increasing data collection and privacy risks. Legal conflicts with existing laws could also lead to costly litigation for the state, undermining regulatory clarity.