A new state law will soon require major social media platforms to clearly warn users about possible mental health risks, especially for young people, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday.
The rule applies to platforms that use features such as infinite scrolling, auto-play, and algorithm driven feeds that can encourage prolonged use. These platforms will need to display warning labels highlighting the potential impact on children and teens.
“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,” Hochul said in a statement.
New York now joins states such as California and Minnesota that have passed similar laws targeting social media design features. The move follows growing global concern about online platforms and youth mental health. Earlier this month, Australia imposed a nationwide social media ban for children under 16.
According to the legislation, the law covers platforms that offer what it defines as addictive feeds, auto play, or infinite scroll. It applies when platform activity takes place partly or fully within New York. It does not apply when users access platforms while physically outside the state.
The law gives the New York attorney general the authority to take legal action against companies that do not comply. Civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation can be imposed.
Hochul compared the new warning labels to existing alerts used on other consumer products. She said they serve a similar role to tobacco warnings that explain cancer risks or plastic packaging labels that caution about suffocation dangers for small children.
Spokespeople for TikTok, Snap, Meta, and Alphabet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Concerns about the effects of social media on children’s mental health have increased worldwide. In the United States, several school districts have filed lawsuits against Meta Platforms and other social media companies.
In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory calling for stronger safeguards to protect children online. The advisory later urged the use of warning labels on social media, a step that New York has now taken.
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