New York Mandates Social Media Warning Labels to Curb Teen Addiction

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a major new law this week. The law targets social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It forces them to display prominent warnings about addictive features to young users.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 30: In this photo illustration, social media networking apps are displayed on a phone screen on November 30, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Australia has recently enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, marking one of the strictest regulations of its kind globally. This legislation, which holds social media companies accountable for enforcing the ban with potential fines of up to AUD 50 million, aims to protect young users from online dangers such as bullying and exploitation, reflecting a significant shift in how governments address youth safety in the digital age. (Photo Illustration by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

The move aims to protect minors from potential mental health harms. According to a report from TechCrunch, the bill was passed by state legislators in June. It represents a significant escalation in state-level tech regulation.

How the New Social Media Warning System Will Work

The law defines “addictive” platforms as those using certain engagement-driving features. These features include autoplay video, infinite scrolling, and push notifications. Platforms must show clear warnings when young users encounter these tools.

The warnings cannot be bypassed by the user. They will appear both initially and periodically during use. The state’s announcement compares the labels to those on tobacco or alcohol products.

This places a new compliance burden on major tech companies. The law requires the New York Attorney General to create specific rules. Platforms will need to adjust their interfaces for users in the state.

A Growing Push for Digital Safety Regulations

This law is part of a broader regulatory trend. Last year, New York passed laws restricting “addictive feeds” for minors without parental consent. California lawmakers are also considering similar warning label legislation.

The action follows a call from the U.S. Surgeon General. He advised that social media platforms should carry health warnings. States are now taking that advice into their own hands.

The impact will be closely watched by parents and policymakers nationwide. Other states may follow with their own versions of the rule. This could lead to a patchwork of different digital safety laws across the country.

This new mandate for social media warning labels marks a pivotal moment. It directly challenges the core design of popular platforms. The outcome will shape the future of youth online safety policy.

Thought you’d like to know

What specific features will trigger the warning labels?

The law targets autoplay video, infinite scrolling feeds, and push notifications. Like counts and other gamification elements are also included. Platforms using these features significantly will need to display the state-mandated warnings.

Who exactly will see these new warnings?

The warnings are designed for younger users, though the exact age threshold will be defined by the Attorney General’s rules. The law is focused on protecting minors from potential addictive design patterns common in social apps.

Can users simply click away the warning message?

No. According to the governor’s announcement, the warnings cannot be bypassed. They will appear when a young user first encounters a targeted feature and will reappear periodically during their session on the platform.

How does this New York law compare to California’s proposal?

California’s proposed bill is similar in its goal to warn users about addictive designs. The specifics may differ as the New York law is now signed, while California’s is still under consideration by legislators.

What was the main reason for passing this law?

Lawmakers cited growing medical research linking social media use to youth mental health issues. The goal is to provide transparency, allowing families to make more informed decisions about technology use.

When will the warning labels actually start appearing?

The law is now active, but the rollout depends on the Attorney General’s office establishing specific implementation rules. Platforms will be given time to comply once those final regulations are published.