New York Will Restrict Social Media Algorithms For Teens, Ban Notifications At Night

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (photo: x @NYCMayor)

Social media platforms in recent years have been under intense scrutiny due to their addictive nature and impact on teens. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in February that his administration had filed a lawsuit against social media companies including Meta Platforms Inc., which oversees Facebook and Instagram, as it has sparked a mental health crisis among teens.

The law aims to prevent social media companies from presenting automated content to minors. The bill, which is still in finalization but is expected to be selected this week, will also prohibit social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during a curfew without parental consent.

In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law banning children under 14 from social media platforms and required children aged 14 and 15 to get parental permission, an action that supporters say would protect them from online risks to their mental health.

Utah became the first US state to adopt a law regulating children's access to social media, in March last year, followed by other states including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas.