New York Mandates Warning Labels for 'Addictive' Social Media Features

Social media is getting its 'Surgeon General's warning' moment. Governor Kathy Hochul signed a landmark bill this week requiring platforms to display warning labels to younger users before they're exposed to features like autoplay and infinite scrolling.

Targeting 'Predatory' Digital Features

The legislation, designated as S4505/A5346, defines addictive platforms as those utilizing infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and like counts as core service components. Under the new law, these platforms must display warnings when a young user first encounters these features and periodically thereafter, with no option to bypass the alerts.

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From Big Tech to Public Health

The move aligns with last year's call from Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who argued that social media should carry health warnings similar to tobacco and alcohol. Governor Hochul stated that protecting children from "potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use" has been a top priority.

New York continues to lead the regulatory charge, having previously passed laws requiring parental consent for addictive feeds for users under 18. With California considering similar measures, the industry is facing a unified legislative front against persuasive design tactics.