lipflip – Last year, New York passed new laws to safeguard minors on the Internet, focusing especially on social media use. Governor Kathy Hochul signed two key bills in June 2024: the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and the New York Child Data Protection Act. These laws aim to limit harmful online experiences for children by regulating how social media platforms handle minors.
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Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James unveiled detailed rules that clarify how the SAFE for Kids Act will work in practice. The public can provide feedback on the proposed regulations until December 1, 2025. After this period, the rules must be finalized within a year.
One main requirement is that social media platforms verify users’ ages before showing them algorithmically-curated feeds or sending nighttime notifications. These age verifications must be effective and protect user data. The law allows platforms to choose their own verification methods, as long as they comply with these standards. Importantly, New York requires an age confirmation method that does not depend solely on government-issued IDs.
This approach aims to prevent minors from accessing addictive content without proper safeguards. By confirming age before serving certain features, platforms can help reduce risks linked to excessive or harmful use. The law’s flexibility allows innovation in age verification while prioritizing user privacy.
Attorney General James emphasized that these rules address a growing youth mental health crisis linked to social media use. She encouraged parents, educators, industry groups, and young people to review the proposed regulations and submit their comments.
Parental Consent and User Control Key Components of the SAFE for Kids Act
Another important aspect of the SAFE for Kids Act involves parental consent. Under the law, minors must request social media platforms to seek permission from their parents before they can access algorithmically-curated feeds or receive notifications at night. This requirement empowers parents to have a say in their children’s online experiences.
However, the platforms may not block minors from accessing general content or services if parental consent is denied. This ensures that children can still use social media platforms but with restrictions on potentially addictive features. Both minors and their parents retain the right to revoke consent at any time, giving families control over ongoing access.
This balance aims to protect children without completely restricting their ability to engage online. The parental consent mechanism encourages open communication between minors and parents about digital use and safety.
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The SAFE for Kids Act represents a significant step in regulating how social media companies interact with young users. By requiring age verification and parental involvement, New York seeks to make online spaces safer and less harmful for children.
As the public comment period continues, stakeholders have a chance to influence the final rules. Once implemented, these regulations could serve as a model for other states and regions aiming to protect minors on digital platforms. The focus on user data protection and mental health reflects a broader shift toward responsible technology use in today’s digital landscape.