New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Thursday that empowers parents to prevent their children from receiving social media posts suggested by algorithms, a measure aimed at curbing potentially addictive feeds. The legislation dictates that individuals under 18 on platforms like TikTok and Instagram will only see content from accounts they follow, rather than algorithm-suggested posts. Additionally, minors will not receive notifications for suggested posts between midnight and 6 a.m. These restrictions can be lifted with 'verifiable parental consent.'
The law is pending implementation, with State Attorney General Letitia James tasked with formulating rules for age verification and parental consent mechanisms. Social media companies will have 180 days to comply once the rules are finalized.
During the bill signing ceremony in Manhattan, Governor Hochul emphasized parental authority over children's online activities, asserting that companies should not dictate such matters.
However, the legislation faces opposition from tech industry trade group NetChoice, which deems it unconstitutional and an infringement on free speech. The group argues that the law enables government surveillance by mandating age verification for accessing online content.
Most major social media platforms utilize algorithms to tailor content recommendations based on user behavior and preferences. The bill reflects a broader trend of states seeking to regulate social media, particularly concerning children's interactions with these platforms.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom is collaborating with lawmakers on a proposal to limit smartphone usage among students during school hours, following previous legislation allowing schools to restrict smartphone use.
At the federal level, discussions on social media regulation are ongoing, with the U.S. surgeon general advocating for warning labels on platforms to address mental health risks for young users.
Some tech companies have responded to mounting concerns by introducing parental control features. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, introduced tools last year for parents to set app usage limits for children.
In summary, the bill signed by Governor Hochul represents a significant step in regulating children's exposure to algorithm-driven content on social media platforms, amidst broader efforts to address the impact of digital technology on young users' mental health.
