New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the “Safe for Kids Act” into law, taking a significant step towards addressing the growing concerns surrounding social media addiction among children and teenagers. The bill, signed on Thursday, aims to restrict “addictive feeds” for social media users under 18 and implement measures to protect young users from manipulative algorithms.
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Hochul emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “Our kids are in distress. They’re not living carefree lives because they are being held captive to powerful forces outside their own control — algorithms that are intentionally addictive, intended to pull them in and keep their attention.”
Key provisions of the new law include:
1. Restricting “addictive feeds” for users under 18
2. Barring notifications from social media platforms between midnight and 6 a.m. without parental consent
3. Requiring new age verification and parental consent tools
The law is set to take effect 180 days after New York Attorney General Letitia James establishes its exact rules and guidelines. Non-compliant platforms could face fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
While tech companies, represented by industry groups, have raised concerns about potential First Amendment violations, Hochul maintains that the approach is constitutional. Major platforms like Meta have expressed support for some aspects of the bill, particularly those requiring app stores to obtain parental approval for app downloads.
This legislation aligns with a broader national push to address social media use among minors. Recent developments include the U.S. Surgeon General’s suggestion for Congress to create warning labels for social media, similar to those on cigarettes, and the Los Angeles Unified School District’s decision to ban cell phone use during school hours.
Hochul urged other states to follow New York’s lead and called for federal action, stating, “Congress can and should act. But until such time, we’ll lead the nation.” As the debate over social media’s impact on youth continues, New York’s bold move may set a precedent for similar legislation across the country.
CBSNews
