by INTRODUCTION
The state legislature of New York has approved a bill that bans social media companies from displaying “addictive feeds” to individuals under the age of 18 unless they have parental approval. The SAFE for Kids Act defines addictive feeds as those that use user or device information to recommend content, specifically targeting algorithmic news feeds on social apps. The act allows for the use of “non-addictive feeds,” like those shown in chronological order.
Bill Approved
It is anticipated that Governor Kathy Hochul of New York will approve the bill. Her office has already issued a statement commending its approval, as well as the approval of the New York Child Data Protection Act, which forbids online platforms from gathering or selling personal information of users under 18 without informed consent.
Enforcing this legislation would necessitate social media corporations to authenticate users’ ages. Additionally, it would forbid platforms from dispatching notifications concerning these streams from midnight to 6 a.m. unless parental approval is obtained. Entities found in breach of the regulation could incur fines of a maximum of $5,000 per infraction.
NetChoice VP and general counsel Carl Szabo criticized New York’s actions as an assault on free speech and the open internet. He argued that the state’s approach allows the government to monitor website visits and online activities by requiring websites to censor content unless visitors provide identification to verify their age.
The spokesperson supported New York as the first state to pass app store accountability legislation, despite not agreeing with all aspects of the bills. They mentioned research showing parental support for laws requiring parental consent for app downloads. They also pledged to work with policymakers in New York and elsewhere to promote this approach.
CONCLUSION
State senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic sponsored the bill, which has the support of New York Attorney General Letitia James.
