New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill this week mandating social media platforms to display warning labels to younger users before they encounter features like autoplay and infinite scrolling. The legislation, identified as bill S4505A5346, was approved by state legislators in June and specifically targets platforms deemed "addictive" due to their use of features such as addictive feeds, push notifications, autoplay, infinite scroll, and like counts as significant components of their services.

The bill allows for exceptions if the attorney general determines these features serve a valid purpose unrelated to extending platform usage. According to an announcement from Hochul's office, these platforms must display warnings upon a young user's initial exposure to these features and periodically afterward, with no option for users to bypass the warnings. The announcement drew parallels between the proposed warning labels and those already present on products like tobacco, alcohol, and media containing flashing lights.

Then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy advocated for social media platforms to incorporate warning labels last year. Governor Hochul stated that keeping New Yorkers safe remained her top priority.

The law aims to address growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of social media on young people's mental health. Autoplay, a feature that automatically plays the next video or piece of content, and infinite scrolling, which continuously loads new content as the user scrolls down, are designed to keep users engaged for extended periods. Critics argue that these features can lead to excessive screen time, addiction, and negative effects on mental well-being, particularly among younger users.

The specific wording of the warning labels and the precise criteria for determining which platforms fall under the law's purview are expected to be further defined in the coming months. The attorney general's office will play a key role in establishing these guidelines and overseeing the implementation of the law. The law's impact on social media companies remains to be seen, but it could potentially lead to changes in how these platforms design and present their features to younger audiences. The legislation reflects a growing trend of increased scrutiny and regulation of social media platforms, particularly concerning their impact on children and adolescents.