New York is poised to restrict social media companies from using algorithms to manage content for minors without parental consent. According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, state lawmakers have reached a tentative agreement on this measure.
Social media platforms have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years due to their addictive nature and adverse effects on youth. In February, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a lawsuit against social media giants, including Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram, accusing them of exacerbating the mental health crisis among young people.
The bill, still in its finalization stages, is expected to be voted on this week
The proposed legislation aims to prevent social media companies from delivering automated feeds to minors without parental approval. It also seeks to ban platforms from sending notifications to minors during overnight hours without such consent. The bill, still in its finalization stages, is expected to be voted on this week.
This move follows similar actions in other states. In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law prohibiting children under 14 from using social media and requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. Utah was the first state to regulate children’s access to social media, with other states like Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas following suit.
Shares of Meta and Snap fell about 1% in extended trading following the news.
