New York governor signs bill regulating social media algorithms, in a US first
New York Governor signs laws regulating social media algorithms and children's data. Legislation targets addictive features in apps, mandates chronological content for under 18, limits late-night notifications. Debate over First Amendment rights.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills into law, making New York the first state in the US to regulate social media algorithms and children's data on digital platforms. The legislation aims to address concerns about addictive features in apps like Instagram and TikTok, particularly affecting teenagers. The SAFE For Kids Act mandates that social media platforms display content chronologically for users under 18 and limits late-night notifications to prevent sleep disruption. The New York Child Data Protection Act prohibits websites from collecting or sharing personal data of users under 18 without consent. While some argue that the laws infringe on First Amendment rights and could impact social media functionality across state lines, supporters believe the regulations are necessary to protect young users from harmful effects. The move follows calls from US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for warning labels on social media platforms to address mental health concerns among teens. Meta and other tech companies are expected to comply with the new regulations, setting the stage for potential legal challenges similar to those seen in other states.
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