Social media platforms with “addictive” design features may be required to display mental health warning labels on their websites for New York users, a move that advocates for family-friendly media have praised.
A measure has passed both the State House and Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature to put the measure into law.
If signed by the governor, New York would join Minnesota in recognizing that social media can be harmful to children and teens and requiring warning labels to be added to platforms.
The Parents Television and Media Council, which advocates for a safe media environment for children and families, commended the Minnesota Legislature earlier this month for passing the social media warning label bill. The legislation in Minnesota will require that social media platforms present clear warnings about the risks of social media use and provide direct links to crisis services.
Under the Minnesota legislation, platforms have until July 1 to comply with the requirements outlined in the bill.
California, Utah, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Texas have also introduced or enacted laws that deal with social media harms on children.
Critics of the New York bill, such as the industry association NetChoice, say its “government overreach that violates fundamental constitutional principles while failing to provide meaningful solutions.”