Hochul signs state SAFE for Kids Act
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– Governor Kathy Hochul signed nation-leading legislation to protect children on social media in Manhattan on Thursday. Hochul put her signature on New York’s Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, which will turn social media alerts off for children between midnight and 6 a.m.
The new legislation restricts social media companies from using addictive feed features for children under the age of 18. The Office of the Attorney General plans to impose civil penalties on social media companies up to $5,000 for each violation.
An advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General said research shows kids who spend three or more hours on social media a day have a doubled risk of experiencing mental health outcomes. Additionally, Pew Research Center reports that 6 of 10 teens say they feel as though they have little to no control over social media companies collecting personal information about them.
The legislation also includes the establishment of acceptable age verification and parental consent methods. Once Hochul signs the act, the Office of the Attorney General will determine these methods during the rulemaking process.
Hochul said with a nationwide mental health crisis among youth being fueled by addictive social media feeds and algorithms, New York is leading the way in addressing the crisis by protecting children. “By reining in addictive feeds and shielding kids’ personal data, we’ll provide a safer digital environment, give parents more peace of mind, and create a brighter future for young people across New York,” she said.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James said the addictive algorithims and feeds are hooking children in and impeding on their mental health. She added that the families of the children are counting on state officials to help address the crisis.
“The legislation signed by Governor Hochul today will make New York the national leader in addressing the youth mental health crisis and an example for other states to follow,” she said. “As we move forward with the rulemaking process, my office will work tirelessly to defend these new laws to protect New York children.”
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