(Reuters) – New York plans to ban social media companies from using algorithms to police youth content without parental consent under a tentative agreement reached by state lawmakers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Social media platforms have come under scrutiny in recent years due to their addictive nature and influence on youth.
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 legislation aims to stop social media companies from providing automated information to minors, the report said.
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 night hours without parental consent, the WSJ reported.
In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law that bans children under 14 from using social media platforms and requires 14- and 15-year-olds to obtain parental consent. Proponents say the measure will protect them from online risks to their mental health.
Utah became the first US state to pass laws regulating children’s access to social media in March last year, followed by others including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas.
Shares of Meta and Snap fell about 1% in extended trading.