New York has passed meaningful legislation to protect children from the potential harms of social media. Of course, the implementation of this approach comes just after the state passed several new buzz-worthy laws! Today, platforms need verifiable parental consent before serving kids “addictive feeds” or collecting and profiting from kids’ personal information. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill—numbered as S4505/A5346—into law shortly after it was passed by state legislators in June.
The legislation specifically defines “addictive social media platforms” as those that utilize features designed to keep users engaged, with certain exceptions for valid purposes. The recently passed law mandates that social media platforms display warning labels to users under 18. This occurs before they are able to use highly addictive design elements such as autoplay and infinite scrolling, which can facilitate overuse.
Public health must be prioritized, and this law takes meaningful steps to do so, underscored by Governor Hochul’s proclamations,” said Governor Hochul. She stated, “Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use.” This initiative aims to empower users, particularly minors, with the information necessary to make informed decisions about their engagement with social media.
Assemblymember Nily Rozic was the bill’s sponsor. She is committed to ensuring that New York families have clear, unbiased information about the impact of social media on our children’s mental health. She remarked, “By requiring warning labels based on the latest medical research, this law puts public health first and finally gives us the tools we need to make informed decisions.”
Earlier this week, Governor Hochul’s office announced a new package of warning label requirements. She followed this up by signing the AI safety-focused RAISE Act. This combination of legislative action is a clear indication of New York’s strong commitment to protect its youth in a rapidly developing digital environment.
The warning labels are meant to trigger the first time a young user engages with a predatory feature. After that, they will come in from time to time, like clockwork, providing ongoing warning to users about the dangers they might encounter. California legislators have introduced companion bills to require these sorts of warning labels on social media platforms. This legislative shift dovetails with their long-term grassroots activity.
The battle of social media and affects on mental health continues. At the same time, New York’s legislation sets a strong precedent for other states considering similar moves. The state’s approach is laudable in its intent to limit children’s access to addictive feeds. It makes sure that they are equipped to get the information they need to have safer online experiences.
