New York to Mandate Mental Health Warnings on Social Media Platforms

New York will require social media platforms to display mental health warning labels highlighting the potential risks these services pose to young users, Governor Kathy Hochul announced.

Under the new law, platforms that feature infinite scrolling, auto-play functions or algorithm-driven feeds will be required to alert users to the possible mental health impacts associated with prolonged or excessive use.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our children from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Hochul said in a statement.

The legislation applies to platforms offering what the law describes as “addictive feeds”, auto-play or infinite scroll. It covers conduct that occurs wholly or partly within New York, but does not apply when a platform is accessed by users who are physically outside the state.

The law authorises the state’s attorney general to initiate legal action and seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation.

Hochul compared the warning labels to those used on other products, such as tobacco warnings highlighting cancer risks or labels on plastic packaging cautioning against suffocation hazards for young children.

The move follows similar measures adopted by states including California and Minnesota. Earlier this month, Australia introduced a ban on social media use for children under 16.

Spokespeople for TikTok, Snap, Meta and Alphabet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health have intensified globally, with several US school districts pursuing legal action against Meta Platforms and other technology companies. In 2023, the US surgeon general issued an advisory on safeguarding children online and later called for the introduction of social media warning labels—an approach now being implemented in New York.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.