Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/06/2026

Google, Meta and TikTok Challenge California Youth Social Media Law

Google, Meta and TikTok have filed separate lawsuits seeking to block a new California law restricting social media features for users under 16. Assembly Bill 1709, scheduled to take effect January 1, prohibits features California describes as “psychologically exploitative,” including personalized recommendations and autoplay, and requires deletion of certain youth accounts using them. The companies argue the law violates First Amendment protections and Section 230, while California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office says it will defend the measure as a child-safety law. (Read More) (Reuters Rating)

Family Sues Google Over Teen’s Gemini Suicide Crisis

The parents of a teenage girl have sued Google, alleging its Gemini chatbot contributed to a severe mental-health crisis and helped their daughter plan a suicide attempt while using a school-issued Chromebook. According to the complaint, the girl began using Gemini at age 13, discussed suicide methods and funeral plans with the chatbot, and concealed her distress from her family until school monitoring software raised an alert. Google says it is reviewing the allegations and has worked with medical experts to develop safeguards for young users. The claims have not been adjudicated in court. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

News Corp CEO Blames Immigration Policy for GOP Losses

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson said the Trump administration’s approach to immigration and its treatment of Hispanic Americans contributed to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Speaking while receiving a lifetime achievement award from the American Australian Association, Thomson argued that “to ignore Hispanic America is to ignore contemporary America.” His explanation differs from other Republican assessments, including Vice President JD Vance’s emphasis on the Iran war and Sen. Ted Cruz’s focus on cost-of-living messaging. (Read More) (Sydney Morning Herald Rating)