New York Takes a Stand: Social Media and Young Minds

New York is stepping up to safeguard young users from the potential risks of social media.

The state is now mandating that platforms display warnings about the possible harm their features can cause. This initiative aligns with a global movement to address the impact of social media on children.

Key Points

• Governor Kathy Hochul announced the new law, emphasizing the priority of keeping New Yorkers, especially kids, safe.
• The law targets addictive features such as infinite scrolling, auto-play, and algorithmic feeds.
• Applicability: The law applies to any platform offering these features, covering conduct happening partly or fully in New York. It does not apply to users outside the state.
• Penalties: The state's attorney general can take legal action and seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

Comparisons and Context

• Hochul compared these warnings to those on tobacco products or plastic packaging, aiming to inform users about potential risks.
• The effect of social media on children's mental health is a growing concern. Many U.S. school districts have sued Meta Platforms and other social media companies.
• In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on safeguards for children, calling for social media warning labels.

Broader Trend

This move by New York is part of a broader trend:

• Other states like California and Minnesota have similar laws.
• Australia recently banned social media for children under 16.

These actions highlight a growing recognition of the need to protect young users from the potential harms of social media.