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New York is set to ban social media companies from using algorithms to target children without parental consent. State lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul have tentatively agreed on a bill, which is set to be voted on this week.
The bill would require platforms like Instagram and TikTok to default to chronological content feeds for young users.
Algorithm-driven content feeds would require parental approval. Supporters argue that removing the algorithmic feeds would cut down on the apps' addictiveness.
The bill would also block minors from viewing in-app notifications overnight without parental consent. A separate measure would ban platforms from collecting and selling the personal data of people under 18 without consent.
If passed, New York joins states like Utah, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas in regulating children's access to social media. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a law banning social media accounts for children under 14 and requiring parental consent for ages 14 and 15.
Over 80% of U.S. adults support social media companies requiring parental consent for minors to create an account, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
