Assembly passes bill to boost transparency on addictive digital-platform features

Assemblymember Paul Norber (first spoke on the bill during the Rules report at the floor session) urged passage of Assembly bill A9446, describing it as a “common-sense and necessary step” to require platforms to disclose design features that exploit human psychology and contribute to excessive use. Norber said the bill would not ban technology or silence speech but would “ensure transparency and informed choice,” comparing the measure to warning labels on cigarettes and alcohol and arguing it would especially protect children and help parents, educators and mental-health professionals.

Lawmakers debated the measure during the Rules report (sponsored as Rules Report 39). Norber listed design features of concern — infinite scrolling, autoplay, algorithmic manipulation and constant notifications — and said platforms engineered these features to maximize engagement and profit. He framed the bill as placing responsibility on companies that profit from engagement so users receive information “at the moment it matters most.”

After remarks in support, the bill was put to a recorded vote and the clerk announced passage. The floor record as announced: Ayes, 139; Nays, 0. Following the vote, members returned to other business on the consent calendar.

The next procedural step given on the floor was that the bill was advanced from the Rules report and will proceed consistent with the Assembly’s regular processing for bills reported from Rules. The session adjourned later in the day and reconvened per the schedule announced from the floor.