In a significant move to safeguard the mental health of young users, the state of New York has implemented a new law that requires social media platforms to display warning labels whenever teenagers are exposed to potentially hazardous effects of their usage. Announcing the law, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that her top priority is to ensure the safety of the state’s residents, particularly children, from the detrimental effects of excessive social media use.
Under the new law, social media platforms with features such as infinite scrolling, auto-play videos, and algorithm-driven feeds will be required to display warning messages to young users. The government has designated such features as “addictive feeds,” which could lead to negative mental health consequences for young users. The law aims to protect children from algorithms that promote harmful content, and its implementation will be applicable to platforms operating partially or fully within New York state.
The law also grants the state attorney general the authority to take legal action against violators and impose fines of up to $5,000 per infraction. Governor Hochul compared the warning labels to cancer warnings on cigarette packs or warnings on plastic packaging for children’s toys, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about potential risks to users.
This move follows similar legislation introduced in California and Minnesota, and Australia’s ban on social media use for minors aged 16 and below. The new law demonstrates New York’s commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly young users, from the potential dangers of excessive social media use.
The law’s implementation is a significant step towards promoting responsible social media use and protecting the mental health of young users. As the world grapples with the challenges of social media, New York’s pioneering effort serves as a model for other states to follow, ensuring that the benefits of social media are balanced with its potential risks.
