Buffalo, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law targeting addictive social media feeds for children and teens on Thursday, emphasizing the distress that kids are facing due to these platforms. In an exclusive interview with CBS News prior to the bill’s signing, Hochul highlighted the impact of algorithms designed to keep children hooked and out of control of their own online experiences.
The newly enacted “Safe for Kids Act” mandates social media companies to limit “addictive feeds” for users under 18 years old. It also prohibits notifications related to these feeds between midnight and 6 a.m. without parental consent and necessitates age verification and parental approval tools set by the state attorney general.
Hochul specified that the law focuses on algorithms because addressing the root cause of the trauma inflicted on children is essential to their liberation. While tech companies have raised concerns about potential violations of the First Amendment for censoring online free speech, Hochul ensured that the measure aligns with constitutional principles.
Under the new law, social media companies in New York will be held accountable through fines up to $5,000 per violation if they fail to comply with the regulations established by Attorney General Letitia James within 180 days. The push for regulating social media use among children has gained momentum nationwide, with suggestions for warning labels on addictive platforms and restrictions on cellphone use in schools.
At the bill signing event, Hochul urged other states to follow New York’s lead in addressing the harmful effects of social media on children. While advocating for a federal solution, Hochul emphasized the importance of state-level actions in the absence of national legislation to protect young users from the dangers of social media platforms.