SELFIE STICKS TOO –
Oct. 11, 2023 – Convinced social media platforms are fueling a mental health crisis among the nation’s youth, public officials in New York announced new legislation Wednesday that would restrict algorithms that target young users.
“Young New Yorkers are struggling with record levels of anxiety and depression, and social media companies that use addictive features to keep minors on their platforms longer are largely to blame,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
The legislation would, among other things, give her office new enforcement power over social media companies.
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube would all be subject to the legislation that allows users under 18 to opt out of receiving algorithmic feeds, allow parents to allow algorithmic feeds to limit access between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. and prohibit social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during those same hours without verifiable parental consent.
The attorney general’s office would be authorized to bring an action to enjoin or seek damages or civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
