News Summary
New York Attorney General Letitia James has proposed new regulations to combat addictive social media features targeting minors. Under the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act, platforms like TikTok and Instagram would need parental consent to use personalized feeds for users under 18. Additionally, notifications to minors would be restricted during late night hours. These measures respond to rising mental health concerns linked to social media, and aim to create a safer online environment for youth as public comment periods begin.
New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James has proposed new regulations aimed at tackling the issue of addictive social media features that specifically target minors. The regulations, introduced on Monday, are part of the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, which was passed last year. If implemented, these regulations would impose greater restrictions on how social media platforms can engage with users under the age of 18.
Under the proposed regulations, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram would be prohibited from using personalized algorithmic feeds for users under 18 without explicit parental consent. This means that young users would only be able to see posts from accounts they explicitly follow unless they have parental permission for broader content. Furthermore, the new rules would prevent social media companies from sending notifications to users under 18 from midnight to 6 a.m., aiming to reduce late-night engagements that may affect sleep hygiene and mental well-being.
In addition to these content restrictions, the draft regulations propose standardized procedures for verifying a user’s age and obtaining parental consent. Potential age verification methods could include uploading an image for identification, confirming through an email address or phone number, or utilizing a government-issued ID. Users under the age of 18 would also need to grant permission for companies to seek parental consent regarding algorithm feeds and nighttime notifications.
The impetus for these proposed regulations stems from growing concerns about mental health among youth, with Attorney General James underscoring a strong connection between curated social media feeds and increased anxiety and depression rates among children and teenagers. It has been asserted that the design of these feeds can significantly contribute to a youth mental health crisis, prompting the need for stricter regulations.
This regulatory initiative is part of a broader movement, as more than 20 states have enacted similar age verification laws, although many of these face ongoing legal challenges. Critics, including advocates for digital privacy and free speech, have raised concerns regarding the potential implications of enforcing such regulations. They argue that these measures could infringe upon basic rights and may not effectively resolve the underlying issues related to social media usage among minors.
Social media platforms have started to voluntarily implement age assurance methods; however, Attorney General James’ office has indicated that these measures have not sufficiently protected minors from harmful content and experiences. The proposed regulations primarily target companies that offer user-generated content, particularly those where at least 20% of user interaction is with personalized feeds.
Once the regulations are finalized, there will be a 60-day public comment period, concluding on December 1, 2025. Following this period, companies will be required to comply with the regulations within 180 days. The goal of these measures is to create a safer online environment for young users, ensuring they can enjoy their social media experiences without the detrimental effects often associated with tailored content feeds.
The emphasis on mental health and youth welfare reflects a growing awareness of the challenges that arise from the pervasive use of social media among children and teenagers. Through these proposed regulations, New York aims to strike a balance between technological engagement and the protection of its younger population.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
