New York bill blocks algorithmic social media posts for kids

This legislation is the initial step in what is expected to be a lengthy rule-making process and a probable legal challenge from social media companies….reports Asian Lite News

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Thursday allowing parents to block their children from seeing social media posts suggested by algorithms, aiming to limit feeds critics say are addictive, media reported.

Under the new legislation, apps like TikTok and Instagram would restrict feeds for users under 18 to posts from accounts they follow, rather than algorithm-suggested content, according to Associated Press report.

The bill also prevents platforms from sending notifications about suggested posts to minors between midnight and 6 a.m. Both restrictions can be lifted with what the bill calls “verifiable parental consent.”

The law will not take effect immediately. State Attorney General Letitia James will develop rules for verifying users’ ages and parental consent. Once the rules are finalized, social media companies will have 180 days to comply.

“We can protect our kids. We can tell the companies that you are not allowed to do this… parents should have a say over their children’s lives and their health, not you,” Hochul was quoted as saying at the signing ceremony in Manhattan.

This legislation is the initial step in what is expected to be a lengthy rule-making process and a probable legal challenge from social media companies.

NetChoice, a tech industry trade group including X and Meta, criticized the bill as unconstitutional. “This is an assault on free speech and the open internet by the State of New York,” said Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel of NetChoice. He argued that the law would force websites to censor content unless visitors provide ID to verify their age, enabling the government to track online activity.

Most major social media platforms use algorithms to send users a continuous stream of suggested content, curated based on previous interactions and the interests of similar users. The bill is New York’s latest attempt to regulate social media amid concerns about children’s interactions with these platforms.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom also announced plans to collaborate with the Legislature on a bill restricting smartphone usage for students during school hours, although details of the proposal are yet to be provided, it was reported..

In 2019, Newsom signed a bill permitting school districts to limit or ban smartphones in schools.

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