In recent years, social media platforms have been under scrutiny for their addictiveness and impact on adolescents. According to sources, a preliminary agreement reached by New York state legislators will prohibit social media companies from using algorithms to push content to minors without parental consent.
New York is set to become the first state in the United States to impose restrictions on how social media spreads information, as revealed by insiders to The Wall Street Journal.
The legislation is still finalizing details but is expected to be voted on this week. It will also bar platforms from sending notifications to minors at night without parental consent.
Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams filed lawsuits against five social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube, alleging that they contribute to a mental health crisis among young people and demanding changes to their business models.
In May, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York announced plans to introduce a Child Internet Protection Act this year, which would prohibit students from using smartphones in schools. Hochul emphasized that addictive algorithms are luring in young people, turning them into “prisoners” and hindering their social interactions and normal classroom activities.
In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting children under 14 from using social media platforms, and requiring parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds before use.
Last year, Utah became the first state in the US to regulate children’s access to social media through legislation, followed by Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas passing similar laws.
Following the publication of these reports, both Meta and Snap saw a 1% drop in their stock prices during after-hours trading.