New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new law requiring social media platforms to display warning labels regarding potential harm to the mental health of young users. The legislation targets features considered addictive, such as infinite scrolling, auto-play, and algorithmic feeds, on platforms frequented by minors.
The law is part of a growing effort to address the youth mental health crisis, which has been linked to excessive social media use. Companies operating in New York will be required to post these warnings for users under 18. The state's attorney general is empowered to seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.