California legal term
social media in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “social media” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “social media” mean in California criminal law?
“social media” means an electronic service or account, or electronic content, including, but not limited to, videos or still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant and text messages, email, online services or accounts, or internet website profiles or locations. (Cal. Penal Code § 423.2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.