Overview and Key Players
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new law requiring social media platforms with infinite scrolling, auto-play features, and algorithmic feeds to display health warnings about potential mental health risks for young users. This move follows similar legislation in states like California and Minnesota, and comes as global concerns over social media’s impact on children’s mental health grow.
Details of the New York Law
- Scope: The law applies to platforms offering “addictive feeds,” auto-play, or infinite scrolling. It targets behaviors occurring partially or fully within New York, not when users access the platform from outside the state.
- Enforcement: The New York Attorney General can initiate legal actions and seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 for violations.
- Comparison: Hochul likened these warnings to those found on products like tobacco (cancer risks) or plastic packaging (choking hazards for children).
Context and Global Concerns
Australia recently banned social media use for minors under 16 years old. New York joins other states in addressing the mental health implications of social media on young users.
The U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning in 2023 about safeguards for children and later called for warning labels on social media, similar to New York’s new requirement.
Schools across the U.S. have sued Meta Platforms and other social media companies over their impact on children’s mental health.
Reactions from Social Media Giants
Representatives from TikTok, Snapchat, Meta, and Alphabet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this new law? The law aims to protect New York’s young users from potential mental health risks associated with social media platforms that employ addictive features.
- Which platforms are affected? The law targets social media platforms with infinite scrolling, auto-play features, and algorithmic feeds.
- How will the law be enforced? The New York Attorney General can initiate legal actions and impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 for violations.
- What are the global concerns regarding social media and mental health? There is growing international concern about the impact of social media on children’s mental well-being, leading to legal actions and warnings from authorities like the U.S. Surgeon General.
