Newsom Signs Age Verification Law, Siding with Tech Giants Over Hollywood. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law requiring device-makers like Apple and Google to verify users’ ages online. The measure marks a major win for tech giants including Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Snap, who supported the bill despite opposition from Hollywood studios. Unlike stricter laws in Utah and Texas, California’s plan gained rare industry-wide support and could serve as a national model for online child protection. “We must protect our children every step of the way,” Newsom said, announcing the law alongside new AI safety tools and social media warning labels. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, avoids photo ID uploads and parental consent requirements that have sparked privacy concerns elsewhere. Instead, parents input their child’s age when setting up a device, allowing platforms like Facebook and Instagram to group users by age category. The Motion Picture Association opposed the law, warning that device-based age checks could confuse streaming account users who share profiles. Wicks defended the measure as balanced and privacy-conscious, adding she’ll work with Hollywood next year on potential refinements. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]