JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. (WBNG) –New York State officials have released final regulations outlining how social media companies must implement the SAFE for Kids Act, a law signed in 2024 that restricts algorithm-driven feeds for users under 18.<\/p>\n
The law \u2014 which stands for Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation \u2014 requires social media platforms to limit algorithmically recommended content for minors unless a parent or guardian provides consent. Without that consent, users under 18 would only see content from accounts they choose to follow, displayed in chronological order.<\/p>\n
The law also bans overnight notifications between midnight and 6 a.m. for minors without parental permission. The final rules released by state officials also detail how companies must verify a user\u2019s age while protecting personal information.<\/p>\n
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the law was created after hearing from parents, educators and students across New York about social media\u2019s impact on young people\u2019s mental health. She said the state is not seeking to ban social media, but to reduce features she described as addictive.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking sure that under the age of 18, you cannot be subjected to the addictive algorithms that deliver the harmful content,\u201d Hochul said. \u201cSo under 18, your feed can only include accounts that you follow, that you choose. Not sitting there as just a victim of this all bombardment, that you actually will have a choice of what you see. No notifications overnight. Our young people need to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
Compliance deadline and penalties<\/p>\n
Social media companies have 180 days to comply before the law takes effect Jan. 25, 2027. Companies that violate the law could face legal action and civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.<\/p>\n
\u201cSocial media companies, you\u2019re now on notice,\u201d Hochul said. \u201cThe regulations are done. You have 180 days to come into compliance. Once the law takes effect in January, any platform that attempts to bombard our young people with addictive feeds or to monetize their mental health… will face legal action.\u201d<\/p>\n
State leaders said New York is now ranked first in the nation for laws protecting children online and said they hope other states adopt similar measures.<\/p>\n
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