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New York Governor Hochul Signs SAFE for Kids Act to Regulate Social Media Algorithms

Jun 21, 2024, 04:10 PM

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed two significant bills aimed at protecting children from the dangers of social media. The SAFE for Kids Act and the New York Data Protection Act are designed to restrict interactions between teens and social media apps, requiring parental consent for users under 18 to view algorithmic feeds. These measures also include banning notifications at night and limiting data collection. Hochul's actions come amidst a broader national conversation on the impact of social media on youth, with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy advocating for warning labels on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to address mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. The legislation has received support from various stakeholders, including New York State Attorney General Tish James and UFT President Michael Mulgrew. The move also aligns with efforts in other states, such as California and Florida, to regulate smartphone use in schools. The bills have bipartisan support and specifically target algorithms used by social media companies.