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New York State Mandates Social Media Warning Labels for Young Users

ALBANY, NY – New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a landmark bill requiring social media platforms with features deemed “addictive” to display warnings about potential harm to young users’ mental health. The law targets platforms utilizing features like infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithm-driven feeds.

The new law draws parallels between the addictive nature of certain social media features and the risks associated with tobacco or small plastic packaging, emphasizing the need to inform users of potential dangers. The law highlights research suggesting that excessive social media use overstimulates reward centers in the brain, creating pathways similar to substance abuse or gambling addiction.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority… and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Governor Hochul stated.

If platforms fail to comply with the regulations, the New York Attorney General can pursue legal action, seeking civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law applies to conduct occurring within New York, regardless of where the social media platform is based, as long as it is accessed by users within the state.

The law makes New York one of the states which have similar social media laws for young users, alongside California and Minnesota.

The move comes amid growing global concern about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, with some U.S. school districts already suing social media companies. Australia recently banned children under 16 from using several major social media platforms, with other nations like Malaysia and Denmark considering similar measures. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France have also tightened social media laws for young users.

Spokespeople for major platforms such as TikTok, Snap, Meta, and Alphabet have yet to release official statements regarding the new New York law.

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