(Reuters) – New York plans to ban social media companies from using algorithms to monitor youth content without parental consent, under a tentative agreement reached by state lawmakers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing People who are familiar with the matter.
Social media platforms have come under scrutiny in recent years for their addictive nature and impact on young people.
New York Mayor Eric Adams said in February that his administration has filed a lawsuit against social media companies, including Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:)’ Facebook and Instagram, for fueling the mental health crisis among young people.
The legislation is intended to prevent social media companies from offering automated feeds to minors, the report said.
The bill, which is still being finalized but is expected to be voted on this week, would also ban platforms from sending notifications to minors at night without parental consent, according to the WSJ.
In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that bans children under 14 from social media platforms and requires 14- and 15-year-olds to get parental consent, a measure that supporters say will protect them from online risks for their mental health.
Utah became the first U.S. state to pass laws regulating children’s access to social media in March last year, followed by other states including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas.
Shares of Meta and Snap fell about 1% in extended trading.
