Californians Demand Stricter Tech Regulation Amid Soaring Concerns for Children and Data Privacy

A resounding call for heightened accountability is sweeping across the Golden State, as a recent statewide poll reveals an overwhelming majority of Californians—a staggering 87%—believe tech giants must face far stricter regulation. This powerful consensus, cutting across demographics and political divides, underscores a deep-seated public unease with the current state of digital affairs, particularly concerning the safety of children online and the sanctity of personal data.

The comprehensive poll, conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) and released today, paints a vivid picture of a populace ready for significant legislative action.

The figures are stark: an astonishing 93% of adults voiced profound concern over the vulnerability of children on social media and other digital platforms. Parallel to this, an equally high 92% expressed serious worries about the privacy of their sensitive personal data in the hands of tech corporations.

These widespread concerns are not mere anxieties; they translate into robust support for concrete legislative interventions.

A substantial 80% of Californians are in favor of a state law that would outright prohibit social media companies from leveraging their powerful algorithms to target children with content—a measure they support even if it means navigating complex discussions around free speech protections. This indicates a clear prioritization of child welfare over unbridled algorithmic influence.

Further demonstrating this desire for protective measures, 72% of respondents back a law requiring explicit parental consent for individuals under 18 to create social media accounts, adding a crucial layer of guardian oversight.

Beyond children's issues, personal data rights are also paramount. An impressive 77% support a state law empowering individuals to sue tech companies for privacy violations, sending a strong message that data misuse will not be tolerated. Complementing this, 76% advocate for laws mandating tech companies to provide transparent, easy-to-understand explanations of how they collect, use, and share personal data.

Remarkably, this widespread support for stricter oversight remains consistent across diverse segments of the population, including parents and non-parents alike, and spans various age groups, although older Californians exhibit a slightly elevated level of apprehension.

The poll also illuminated a strong preference for state-level action, with 75% believing the California government should play a primary role in regulating tech, compared to 58% who look to federal intervention.

Mark Baldassare, president and CEO of PPIC, emphasized that these compelling findings highlight an undeniable public hunger for greater accountability from tech companies.

He noted that the focus is particularly sharp on how these companies impact the youngest users and their stewardship of sensitive personal information. The extensive poll gathered insights from 1,705 California adults between August 1 and August 10, 2024, carrying a margin of error of ±3.4 percentage points, solidifying the reliability of these powerful public sentiments.