Is your child glued to their phone? A new law in NY limits social media algorithms for kids. Get the details here!
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| New York's SAFE Act restricts social media for children. |
New York has become the first state in the US to take a stand against social media algorithms that keep kids hooked, according to major news outlets.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the "Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act" into law on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
The law targets the very feature that raises concerns about social media's impact on young minds: the curated feed. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram use algorithms to personalize content, often keeping users endlessly scrolling.
The SAFE Act aims to disrupt this cycle for users under 18.
Here's what the new law entails:
Limited algorithmic feeds: Social media platforms will be prohibited from bombarding users under 18 with suggested posts. Instead, children will only see content from accounts they choose to follow.
Parental controls: Parents will have the option to grant permission allowing their children to see suggested content.
Nighttime notification blackout: Platforms will be restricted from sending notifications about suggested posts to minors between midnight and 6 am, without parental consent.
Supporters of the bill argue that social media companies exploit children's psychology for profit. They believe the constant barrage of curated content can negatively impact mental health.
However, the law's future remains uncertain, with legal challenges from tech giants anticipated. Only time will tell if the SAFE Act paves the way for similar legislation across the country.