NY Mandates 'Cigarette-Style' Warning Labels for X and TikTok

Your social media feed is about to look more like a pack of cigarettes. New York State has officially moved to treat digital addiction with the same urgency as public health crises. Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law requiring platforms like TikTok and X to display warning labels about the potential mental health risks of prolonged use.

Cracking Down on 'Predatory' Design

The legislation doesn't just target the apps themselves but the specific features that keep users hooked. Labels will appear for features deemed "predatory," including infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds. These labels will surface when a user first interacts with these features and periodically thereafter, specifically warning young people about depression and anxiety risks.

A Battle of Policy vs. Platforms

The push for regulation follows a massive multi-year study linking heavy social media use to higher levels of depressive symptoms in teens. While companies like TikTok have rolled out their own parental controls and screen time blocking, critics argue these are band-aids on inherently addictive designs. Meanwhile, the law faces potential legal hurdles; a federal judge recently blocked a similar age-verification law in Louisiana, citing constitutional concerns.

• New York users will see warnings regardless of where the company is based.
• The law specifically targets algorithmic engagement triggers.
• TikTok has framed its own tools as part of a 'mindfulness' push.