Cybersecurity Policy Report, Social Media ‘Delete’ Button Legislation Sent to California Governor, (Sep 23, 2025)
A bill that would require large social media platforms to provide users with a clear and accessible mechanism for deleting their accounts and associated personal information has been sent to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.) for his signature.
AB 656 would require a social media platform to provide a clear and conspicuous button that enables the user to delete their account and provide the user with the necessary steps to delete the user’s account and personal information if the user clicks on that button. The “button” must be placed as an immediately visible option in the social media platform’s settings menu with the words “Delete Account.” The menu containing the button must also be accessible in the application, on a browser, or on any other format that a user can use to access the platform.
According to the bill, if a user clicks on the button, the platform must permit a user to complete a deletion of the user’s account but may seek confirmation of the request through immediate two-factor authentication delivered by e-mail, text message, telephone call, or message.
The bill would further prohibit a social media platform from obstructing or interfering with a user’s ability to delete their account. It specifies that a social media platform would be prohibited from using dark patterns to interfere with a user’s ability to delete their account.
It provides that a user’s request to delete an account constitutes a request to delete the consumer’s personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
“Unfortunately, because social media platform revenue relies on continued engagement of users, the steps required to delete an account are not always straightforward, leading many who begin the process to give up part way through. For those already struggling with addiction to a platform, this means returning to a harmful habit. AB 656 will follow recent efforts to simplify subscription cancellation to social media platforms, making it easier for individuals to escape a harmful situation,” said Assembly member Pilar Schiavo (D.), sponsor of the bill (A.B. 656).
News: StateLegislation DataPrivacy