Albany, New York — New York has enacted a new law requiring social media companies to display mandatory mental health warning labels on certain platform features that state officials say encourage excessive use and harm young users. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation on Dec. 26, targeting design tools such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithm-driven feeds commonly used by major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Under the law, warnings must be clearly displayed when users initially engage with covered features and periodically thereafter. Importantly, the labels cannot be bypassed, clicked through, or dismissed. State officials cited research linking more than three hours of daily social media use to roughly doubled rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents, referencing the U.S. surgeon general’s 2023 advisory on youth mental health.
While the warnings may appear to all users accessing the features in New York, the statute is primarily designed to protect minors. Enforcement authority is granted to the New York attorney general, who may pursue civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law applies to conduct occurring wholly or partly within New York but does not regulate users located outside the state.
Hochul compared the warnings to consumer health disclosures used for tobacco and other products, arguing families deserve transparent information about digital risks. The measure places New York alongside states such as California and Minnesota, as governments worldwide increase pressure on tech companies over children’s online well-being.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
