New York law targets addictive social media for children

New York has enacted the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, which will take effect in 2025. This legislation mandates that social media platforms and app stores obtain parental consent for children under 18 to access apps featuring addictive feeds. Additionally, it introduces measures to limit usage, such as nudging teens to exit the app after an hour and implementing a 'sleep mode' to disable notifications during nighttime hours. These regulations arise from growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health. The law reflects a broader trend of increasing scrutiny on social media's role in exacerbating mental health issues among young people. Experts have noted a potential link between excessive social media use and negative mental health outcomes, although there is ongoing debate about the extent of this problem. Some researchers argue that the focus should be on regulating problematic usage rather than outright bans. Responses to the legislation have been mixed. Advocates for online safety have praised the initiative for holding tech companies accountable, while critics, including industry representatives, have labeled it as unconstitutional and overly restrictive. They express concerns about the implications for data control and the feasibility of enforcing such regulations. Despite the mixed reactions, the SAFE for Kids Act represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by algorithm-driven content on social media. It aims to create a safer online environment for children, although its effectiveness will depend on how well it is implemented and enforced in practice.