New York Enacts Law to Restrict Algorithm-Driven Feeds for Minors on Social Media

By Madz Dizon

Jun 20, 2024 10:17 PM EDT

New York Enacts Law to Restrict Algorithm-Driven Feeds for Minors on Social Media — New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks before US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on "how the CHIPS and Science Act and his Investing in America agenda are growing the economy and creating jobs," at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum in Syracuse, New York, on April 25, 2024.
(Photo : ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Significant changes are on the horizon for the young social media users in New York as Gov. Kathy Hochul has recently signed two bills into law, aiming to regulate digital platforms' algorithms and their usage of children's data.

New York Enacts Law to Combat Addictive Features on Social Media

In a groundbreaking move, New York has become the first state to enact legislation that governs social media algorithms.

This comes in response to widespread concerns that popular apps like Instagram and TikTok have been employing addictive features to keep users hooked.

Hochul's recent action follows closely after US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's recommendation to include warning labels on social media platforms.

This has sparked a discussion about the potential effects of social media on the mental well-being of users, especially teenagers.

According to CNN, New York has implemented two new acts to enhance the safety and privacy of children online. The SAFE For Kids Act mandates that social media platforms display content in chronological order as the default setting for users under 18.

Additionally, the Child Data Protection Act prohibits websites from collecting or sharing personal data of users under 18 without their consent, building upon existing federal privacy safeguards for children under 13.

Social Media Firms Given 180 Days to Comply with New NY Law

The law does not go into effect right away. State Attorney General Letitia James has been given the responsibility of creating guidelines to establish methods for confirming a user's age and obtaining parental consent.

Once the rules are finalized, social media companies will be given a 180-day period to implement the regulations, AP reported.

The signing marks the initial phase of what is anticipated to be a lengthy process of rulemaking, likely leading to a legal battle as social media companies seek to challenge the law.

The bill represents the most recent effort by a state to address concerns regarding children's interactions with social media platforms.