New York passed two new laws that restrict how social media companies interact with and collect data from users under 18 years old.
On Thursday he signed two bills, including the Stop Child Addictive Food Exploitation (SAFE) Act and the New York Children's Data Protection Act.
SAFE requires social media companies like facebook and x to restrict addictive feeds to minors on their platforms. These include feeds that are “algorithmically controlled” to prevent “unhealthy levels of engagement,” according to a press release.
New York's Children's Data Protection Law also prevents online sites and devices from collecting, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under 18 years of age.
Both laws require companies to obtain parental consent before allowing children to access feeds driven by algorithms or collect data from them. The new laws also require social media companies to create age verification and parental consent checks for their platforms based on guidelines set by the New York Attorney General.
New York passed two new laws that restrict how social media companies interact with and collect data from users under 18 years old. Governor Hochul said in a released statement that these new policies “will provide a safer digital environment, give parents more peace of mind, and create a brighter future for New York's youth.”
Other parts of the country have passed laws that restrict or limit children's access to phones and online platforms. passed a bill similar to New York's SAFE Act that would also prevent social media apps from sending notifications to minors during school hours and from midnight to 6 a.m. year-round. instituted a ban restricting student phone use during school hours. California Governor Gavin Newson responded to the decision by promising to work with lawmakers on a similar state law.
These new policies and laws aren't just about keeping kids away from their phones while they're at school. They are designed to address mental health issues caused by social media platforms. published an op-ed by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on Monday calling social media a “major contributor” to teen mental health and calling on social media companies to to post a warning label for teens on their platforms and apps.
