Social Media Algorithms will be Restricted in New York to Regulate Material for Minors

According to a tentative deal struck by state lawmakers, New York is intending to restrict social media firms from using algorithms to limit material to kids without parental authorization. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Social media platforms have come under fire recently because of their tendency toward addiction and effects on young people.

In February, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City announced that his administration has launched a lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram, two social media platforms owned by Meta Platforms, for contributing to the teenage mental health pandemic.

According to the newspaper, the legislation aims to stop social media corporations from providing automated feeds to minors.

According to the WSJ, the plan, which is still in the final stages of development but is anticipated to be put to a vote this week, would also forbid platforms from notifying children throughout the night without their parents' permission.

In an effort to shield young people from potential internet hazards to their mental health, proponents of a bill that prohibits minors under the age of 14 from using social media and mandates that 14 and 15-year-olds obtain parental approval signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in March.

In March of last year, Utah became the first state in the US to pass legislation restricting children's access to social media. Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas soon followed.