New York will require major social media platforms to display warning labels about potential risks to young users’ mental health, marking a new legal step in the state’s effort to regulate digital products designed to maximize user engagement.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the measure on Friday, framing it as a consumer protection rule aimed at children and teenagers.
Under the new law, platforms that use features such as infinite scrolling, auto-play videos, or algorithm-driven feeds must clearly warn users about the possible mental health effects of those tools.
The requirement applies when a platform’s conduct occurs in whole or in part within New York. However, it does not cover use by people who access the platforms while physically outside the state.
Hochul said the state has a duty to address design choices that encourage excessive use, especially among minors. She compared the new labels to warnings found on tobacco products or consumer packaging, which alert the public to health and safety risks. In her view, the goal is not to ban social media but to ensure transparency about its potential impact.
Law expands state authority to enforce platform accountability
The legislation gives the New York attorney general authority to enforce the rules and seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. That enforcement power places the law within a broader national trend, as states test their ability to regulate online platforms through consumer protection and public health statutes.
New York’s action follows similar efforts elsewhere. Australia recently approved a ban on social media use for children under 16. In the United States, states such as California and Minnesota have adopted laws that restrict or regulate certain social media practices affecting minors. New York’s approach focuses on disclosure rather than access limits, but it carries legal consequences for noncompliance.
Major technology companies affected by the law include platforms operated by Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Snap, and TikTok. Representatives for those companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The industry has previously argued that warning labels raise constitutional questions, particularly around free speech and federal preemption, issues that could surface if the law faces court challenges.
The move also aligns with growing federal attention to the issue. In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory calling for stronger safeguards to protect children online. He later urged the adoption of warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those used for other consumer products with known risks.
As litigation and legislation continue to expand, New York’s law may serve as a test case for how far states can go in regulating platform design through disclosure requirements. The outcome could influence similar efforts nationwide, especially as lawmakers seek tools to address mental health concerns linked to digital media use.
