- Social media platforms must display non-dismissible warnings about addictive features (infinite scrolling, auto-play, algorithm-driven feeds) that contribute to rising teen anxiety, depression and poor body image.
- The bills (S4505/A5346), sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, aim to emulate tobacco/alcohol-style consumer protections amid what the U.S. Surgeon General calls a "youth mental health emergency."
- Teens spending over three hours daily on social media face double the depression risk, while 50% report worsened body image. AG Letitia James accused platforms of exploiting minors for profit via addictive designs.
- The law draws from 1960s tobacco warnings, treating algorithmic addiction as a public health hazard. A 2024 Siena College poll found 63% of voters support restricting addictive content for minors.
- Platforms cannot allow users to bypass warnings and must show periodic reminders. Critics claim First Amendment concerns, but proponents argue transparency is critical, citing that 75% of teens check social media hourly.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed landmark legislation on Dec. 26 requiring social media platforms to display non-dismissible warning labels about addictive features—such as infinite scrolling, auto-play videos and algorithm-driven feeds—that contribute to rising rates of anxiety, depression and poor body image among minors.
The bipartisan-backed bills, S4505/A5346, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, aim to emulate tobacco and alcohol-style consumer protections while addressing what U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called a "youth mental health emergency."
The new law builds on New York's broader SAFE for Kids Act, signed in June 2024, which banned unsolicited nighttime notifications for minors and required parental consent for access to addictive algorithms. Hochul framed the measures as critical safeguards: "Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority… that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use."
Research cited in the legislation reveals stark correlations: Teens spending over three hours daily on social media face double the risk of depression, while 50% report worsened body image. Attorney General Letitia James, who helped draft the bills, emphasized the financial motive behind predatory designs: "Platforms exploit vulnerabilities for engagement while profiting billions in ad revenue from minors."
From tobacco to TikTok
The warning labels draw direct parallels to 20th-century public health campaigns against tobacco and alcohol. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the campaigns successfully reduced smoking-related cancer deaths by 1% annually from 1970 to 1995 and lowered drunk driving fatalities through seat belt laws and awareness efforts. Similarly, New York's approach treats algorithmic addiction as a public health hazard.
A 2024 Siena College poll found 63% of voters supported restricting addictive content for minors—a sentiment echoed by Murthy's national call for social media warnings.
"New York families deserve honesty," said Rozic, highlighting the state's role as a policy trailblazer.
Enforcement and challenges ahead
The law prohibits platforms from letting users bypass warnings and mandates periodic reminders during use. It also dovetails with the New York Child Data Protection Act, effective since June 2024, which bans unauthorized data collection from minors.
Critics, including tech industry groups, argue the measures may face First Amendment hurdles. Yet proponents counter that the crisis justifies intervention.
"This isn't about censorship—it's about transparency," Gounardes stated, noting that 75% of teens check social media hourly.
As New York implements these protections, the laws set a potential national precedent. With adolescent mental health deteriorating alongside social media's dominance, the state's aggressive stance signals a growing consensus: unchecked digital engagement demands the same scrutiny as other public health threats. For parents and policymakers alike, the message is clear—protecting youth may require treating algorithms like asbestos, not just entertainment.
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