The unprecedented move makes New York the first state to pass a law regulating social media algorithms amid nationwide allegations that apps such as Instagram or TikTok have hooked users with addictive features. Hochul’s signature comes days after US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels to be applied to social media platforms, fueling a debate about social media’s potential impact on the mental health of users, particularly teens.
Still, numerous states and federal lawmakers have pushed for legislation clamping down on social media platforms, arguing that tech companies’ products are to blame for eating disorders, sleeplessness, distraction and, in some cases, self-harm and suicide. “We will save lives with this, my friends,” Hochul said at Thursday’s press conference.