Bills Requiring Social Media Warnings Passed in NY, Signed in Minnesota
The New York state legislature passed a social media warning labels bill (S-4505/A-5346) on Tuesday, just days after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed a wide-ranging finance omnibus containing a similar measure (HF-2).
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The New York Assembly passed its warning-labels bill Tuesday after the Senate supported the measure last week. The bill next needs approval from Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).
“By requiring clear warning labels, we’re giving families the tools to understand the risks and pushing tech companies to take responsibility for the impact of their design choices,” said A-5346 sponsor Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D) in a news release Wednesday. “It’s time we prioritize mental health over engagement metrics.” S-4505 sponsor Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D) said the legislation “is about creating a safer, healthier internet that makes our lives better instead of worse.”
“We strongly encourage Governor Hochul to sign it into law right away,” said Common Sense Media CEO James Steyer. “This critical social media safety bill, along with landmark kids’ online safety laws enacted last year and the upcoming implementation of a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone restriction in schools, further affirms New York’s leadership role in promoting effective kids’ online safety policy.”
Another New York kids safety measure, the New York Child Data Protection Act, is set to take effect this Friday.
Walz signed HF-2 on Saturday. The Minnesota legislature passed the omnibus finance bill pertaining to health and families last week, with the social media warning labels measure tucked away on page 442 (see 2506130040).
Melissa Henson, vice president of the Parents Television and Media Council, applauded the new Minnesota requirement in an emailed statement: "Warning social media users of the potential dangers online is one necessary step to protect our children, and we hope to see other states follow suit." Common Sense, which sponsored the New York bill, wasn’t involved with the Minnesota measure, a spokesperson said.
Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recommended social media warning labels last year (see 2406170059).