In a significant legislative move, New York lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul have reached an agreement on a landmark bill aimed at regulating children's use of social media. The legislation, known as the SAFE for Kids Act, targets the addictive nature of social media algorithms and seeks to protect the privacy of young users.
The bill, championed by Governor Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assembly Member Nily Rozic, introduces stringent measures to curb the potentially harmful effects of social media on minors.
New York plans to prohibit social-media companies from using algorithms to steer content to children without parental consent under a tentative agreement reached by state lawmakers https://t.co/vpvrNztQk0 via @WSJ
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) June 3, 2024
Under the new regulations, social media companies will be prohibited from using algorithms to feed addictive content to users under 18 without parental consent. Additionally, the NY Child Data Protection Act will enhance online privacy protections for children, ensuring their personal data is safeguarded from misuse by commercial entities .
This legislative effort comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young people. Studies have highlighted the link between addictive social media use and increased rates of depression and anxiety among teenagers. The SAFE for Kids Act aims to address these issues by limiting the exposure of children to harmful content and providing parents with greater control over their children's online activities.
New York plans to prohibit social-media companies from using algorithms to steer content to children without parental consent under a tentative agreement reached by state lawmakers https://t.co/SzlPE8lBld via @WSJ
— Tim Cohn (@TimCohn) June 3, 2024
The new regulations are part of a broader push by states across the U.S. to introduce stricter controls on social media use by minors. Similar legislative efforts are underway in states like Colorado and Florida, reflecting a nationwide concern about the effects of unregulated social media on children. These state-level initiatives are seen as critical steps in creating a safer digital environment for young users.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of the bill, stating that it represents a crucial step forward in protecting the mental health of New York's youth. Attorney General James echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for robust measures to ensure the safety of children in an increasingly digital world.
The agreement on the SAFE for Kids Act follows extensive consultations with educators, mental health professionals, and parent groups, all of whom have expressed strong support for the new regulations. The bill is expected to be enacted soon, positioning New York as a leader in the effort to regulate children's use of social media and protect their online privacy.
By implementing these measures, New York aims to create a safer and more supportive online environment for children, helping to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on their mental and emotional well-being.
