(Reuters) – New York plans to ban social media companies from using algorithms to control content directed at young people without parental consent under a tentative agreement reached by state lawmakers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
In recent years, social media platforms have come under scrutiny due to their addictive nature and influence on young people.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in February that his administration had filed a lawsuit against social media companies including Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:) Facebook and Instagram for fueling a mental health crisis among young people.
The report said the legislation aims to prevent social media companies from providing automated feeds to minors.
The bill, which is still being finalized but is expected to be voted on this week, would also prohibit platforms from sending notifications to minors during overnight hours without parental consent, the Wall Street Journal said.
In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning children under 14 from using social media platforms and requiring 14- and 15-year-olds to obtain parental consent, a measure supporters say will protect them from online dangers. on their mental health.
Utah became the first US state to adopt laws regulating children's access to social media, in March last year, followed by other states including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas.
Shares of Meta and Snap fell about 1% in extended trading.