New York’s SAFE for Kids Act
Instead of banning social media, New York adopted legislation focused on reducing addictive platform design for minors.
The law recognizes that social media itself is not necessarily the problem. Rather, certain design features can encourage compulsive use among young people.
A Different Approach
Key Provisions
Limits Addictive Algorithmic Feeds
Platforms cannot automatically serve algorithmically curated feeds to minors without parental consent.
Requires Parental Consent
Parents must authorize certain personalized recommendation features for children.
Platforms are limited in sending overnight notifications to minors.
Restricts Overnight Notifications
Focuses on Platform Design
Rather than banning social media, the law targets features that encourage excessive engagement.
Many observers consider this a more balanced alternative to outright bans because it focuses on platform design while allowing young people to continue benefiting from social media.
What About Washington?
Washington currently has no law that provides similar protections.