Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Advancing New York’s Leading Social Media Laws
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized New York’s swift action to protect young people with the SAFE For Kids Act and the New York Child Data Protection Act, led by Attorney General Letitia James. She highlighted that New York’s initiatives are driving a national discussion on youth mental health and social media, with federal legislation following the state’s lead.
When I signed our nation-leading laws to combat addictive social media feeds and keep kids safe online, I made it clear that New York would act swiftly to deliver strong protections for our young people. The rulemaking process for the SAFE For Kids Act and the New York Child Data Protection Act is now underway at the direction of Attorney General James, who has been an incredible partner from day one.
“Our efforts in New York are accelerating a national conversation on youth mental health and social media. Just one month after New York became the first state to act against addictive feeds, the Senate passed federal legislation to protect children nationwide.
“As New York’s first mom Governor, I’ll never stop fighting for our kids. I look forward to seeing our laws in action and pushing for continued progress at the federal level.”
August 1, 2024 Albany New York
On the EWTN video at the beginning of the page: The Safe for Kids Act, a pioneering bill aimed at curbing the influence of addictive algorithms and feeds on social media for users under 18, has sparked significant controversy. This legislation, which also prohibits notifications related to these feeds between midnight and 6am without parental consent, is intended to protect young people from the potentially harmful effects of social media.
However, free speech groups argue that the bill infringes on the First Amendment by censoring online speech. Michael Toscano, Executive Director of the Institute for Family Studies and a native New Yorker, provides a critical perspective on this landmark bill. Toscano emphasizes that the core issue is not about free speech but rather about business practices. He believes that social media companies are primarily motivated by profit, often at the expense of the well-being of young users.
Toscano predicts that the implementation of the Safe for Kids Act will likely face a contentious legal battle, with companies challenging the restrictions imposed by the bill. Despite the potential legal hurdles, the bill marks a significant step in addressing the growing concerns over the impact of social media on youth mental health. As the debate continues, the balance between protecting young users and preserving free speech online remains a contentious and complex issue.
Sources: Midtown Tribune news, NY.gov
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