A new law in New York will make big social media companies like TikTok and Instagram show warning labels about potential mental health risks. This aims to address features that are designed to keep users online for extended periods.
New rules in New York, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will target features common on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels – things like endless scrolling, videos that play automatically, and feeds determined by algorithms. These rules apply to any platform operating within the state.
This law applies to services that use features designed to be habit-forming, like automatically playing videos and never-ending scrolling. When these features are used, platforms will need to display warnings about the possible harm to young people’s mental wellbeing.
The state attorney general is responsible for enforcing the law and can take legal action, potentially issuing fines of up to $5,000 for each violation, according to Reuters.
According to a statement from Governor Hochul’s office, around half of teenagers report that social media negatively impacts how they feel about their bodies. Teens who spend the most time on social media are almost twice as likely to say their mental health is poor.
The Governor explained that these warnings are meant to be like the labels you see on everyday products. She pointed to examples like the health warnings on tobacco products and the safety labels on plastic packaging that alert parents to choking hazards.
I’ve been following the news about keeping kids safe online, and it’s interesting to see different places taking action. California and Minnesota have passed laws that are pretty similar, but Australia went even further – they actually banned social media for anyone under 16 across the whole country! It’s a big step, and I’m curious to see how it all plays out.
Major platforms potentially impacted by the New York law include TikTok, Snap, Meta, and Alphabet.
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2025-12-27 16:18