Delete Means Delete: California Just Passed a Law Social Media Giants Won’t Like
- Cloud 9 News
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
Sacramento, CA - October 10, 2025 – In a significant victory for digital privacy advocates, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 656 (AB 656) into law on October 8, 2025, mandating that social media platforms provide users with a straightforward process to delete their accounts and all associated personal data. This legislation aims to close a longstanding loophole where companies often retained user information even after deactivation requests, empowering Californians to truly "erase" their online footprints.
The new law requires social media companies to implement a clear, single-click option for account cancellation, ensuring that personal data—such as posts, messages, profiles, and behavioral tracking—is permanently deleted within a specified timeframe. This aligns with the state's existing California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) but goes further by targeting the often convoluted deactivation processes that leave data lingering on servers. "With these bills, social media users can be assured that when they delete their accounts, they do not leave their data behind," Newsom stated in a press release following the signing.
AB 656 was introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) and sponsored by privacy groups concerned about the vast troves of data collected by platforms like Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. Under the bill, companies must also notify users of the deletion process's completion and prohibit the retention of data for purposes unrelated to legal compliance, such as advertising or AI training. Company owners may still retain limited records for legal or safety reasons, but only if anonymized and justified.
Privacy experts hailed the measure as a model for national reform. "This isn't just about deletion buttons; it's about holding Big Tech accountable for the data they hoard," said Alastair Mactavish, executive director of the Center for Humane Technology. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, giving platforms six months to update their systems. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to $7,500 per violation, enforced by the California Privacy Protection Agency.
The bill's passage comes amid growing scrutiny of social media's role in mental health and misinformation, with California leading the charge on tech regulations. Earlier this year, the state enacted laws targeting youth online safety and AI transparency. Industry insiders warn of potential challenges, including technical hurdles for legacy systems, but supporters argue the benefits outweigh the costs.
For users, the change means a simpler path to digital detox: log in, hit delete, and watch your data vanish. As one Reddit user put it in a viral thread, "Finally, a law that treats our data like the trash it should be when we're done with it.
"This development underscores California's role as a trailblazer in privacy rights, influencing policies from Washington, D.C., to the European Union. Stay tuned for how major platforms respond in the coming months.
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