New York Set to Restrict Social-Media Algorithms for Teens

New York plans to prohibit social-media companies from using algorithms to steer content to children without parental consent under a tentative agreement reached by state lawmakers, people familiar with the matter said.

The legislation is aimed at preventing social-media companies from serving automated feeds to minors.

Critics say the feeds lead children to violent and sexually explicit content. The bill, which is still being completed but expected to be voted on this week, also would prohibit platforms from sending minors notifications during overnight hours without parental consent.

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has said the measure would make social media less addictive, adding that heavy usage by teens has contributed to higher instances of mental illness. Industry groups have raised questions about the constitutionality of the proposal and said media literacy would have a more immediate impact. They have won court injunctions blocking regulations in other states from taking effect.

New York would become the first state to enact restrictions on how content is delivered, though similar legislation is advancing in California. Lawmakers in Minnesota and South Carolina considered but didn’t act on similar measures in their legislative sessions this year.

Republican Florida Gov.

Ron DeSantis in March signed a law prohibiting people under 14 years of age from having social-media accounts, regardless of parental consent, one of the most restrictive laws aimed at curbing social-media access for minors.