Additional social media protections are on the way for young New Yorkers as the state is placing limits on what they can access on certain online platforms.
The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in June 2024, requires social media companies to keep kids under 18 away from algorithmically personalized feeds, or content generated using data the platform gathers about the user, and limit nighttime notifications unless they receive parental consent.
These addictive feeds, which are often from accounts a user doesn’t follow but are designed to encourage a user to continue and return to a platform, can affect children’s mental health, state officials said, as the more time they spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience depression, anxiety, eating and sleep disorders.
“When I came into office, our children were in the throes of a full-blown mental health crisis,” Hochul said in a statement,” and as New York’s first mom Governor, I felt a moral imperative to act.”
“Today, we’re sending a clear message: our kids’ mental health isn’t for sale,” the governor added. “We promised action and the SAFE For Kids Act is delivering by ensuring that any platform that targets our children with addictive feeds will face legal consequences. Instead of clicking and scrolling, our kids will be learning and growing.”
Here’s the latest.
How will young New Yorkers be better protected from social media dangers?
Informed by public input, industry research, and the New York Attorney General’s Office, the state released a final set of rules on Tuesday, July 28, that social media companies will have to adhere to through the SAFE for Kids Act. Here’s how children in New York will be better protected from addictive feeds.
“The SAFE for Kids Act leads the nation in keeping our children safe online and protecting youth from the devastating effects of unchecked social media,” state Attorney General Letitia James said. “These rules set standards for age verification and parental control to ensure tech companies are doing their part to keep kids safe on their platforms.”
Which platforms are included?
While a specific list of platforms has not been outlined, the legislation is meant to keep young New Yorkers away from addictive feeds.
It applies to “Addictive Online Platforms,” state officials say, or platforms that display user-generated content and have users who spend at least 20% of their time on its addictive feeds over the course of a six-month period.
When do social media companies need to start complying with these new rules?
The final rules will be published in the State Register on July 29 and go into effect 180 days later on Jan. 25, 2027, according to state officials.
If a company violates the rules, they could be subject to fines as the AG’s Office can seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers’ taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: How NY’s ban on addictive social media for kids will involve parents
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York State Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Emily Barnes, New York State Team | USA TODAY Network
