From Cigarettes to Screens: New York Mandates 'Addictive' Labels for Social Media
New York state mandates warning labels for 'addictive' social media features like infinite scrolling and algorithmic feeds to protect young users' mental health.
The warning labels found on cigarette packs are moving to the palm of your hand. New York has declared a new front in the battle for youth mental health, requiring social media giants to flag 'addictive' features as potentially harmful to young users.
New York’s Bold Move Against Algorithmic Feeds
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill on December 26, 2025, mandating that platforms featuring infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds display explicit warnings. The law targets features designed to encourage excessive use. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per instance, according to state officials.
Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use.
Dopamine Traps and Scientific Warnings
The legislation cites research showing that constant social media exposure overstimulates the brain's reward centers, creating neural pathways similar to those found in individuals with substance use or gambling addictions. While the law marks a significant shift, major players like TikTok, Snap, Meta, and Alphabet haven't yet issued official responses to the new requirements.
A Global Wave of Social Media Regulation
New York joins states like California and Minnesota in a growing US movement to regulate tech for younger audiences. Globally, the pressure is mounting. Australia recently banned children under 16 from using most platforms, while countries like Malaysia and Denmark signal plans for similar restrictions.
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