SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act (SAFE For Kids) and New York Child Data Protection Act following the New York state legislature passing both bills Friday.
If signed, the SAFE For Kids Act would prohibit social media sites from using recommendation algorithms on accounts registered to users under the age of 18. It also calls for proper age verification and increased parental controls.
The Child Data Protection Act would prohibit sites from “collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data” of anyone under 18, according to a press release from Hochul’s office.
The goal of the two acts is to combat the youth mental health crisis, which New York Attorney General Letitia James says is fueled by social media and addictive technology. The acts would also prevent minors from receiving notifications between midnight and 6 a.m.
The office of the attorney general would be able to bring action and fine violators $5,000 for each offense.