New York has enacted a new state law requiring social media platforms that use design features encouraging prolonged engagement to display warning labels about potential mental health risks for young users. The legislation applies to platforms that rely on infinite scrolling, autoplay and algorithm-driven feeds, features that state authorities say can promote excessive use among children and adolescents.
The law was signed on December 26, 2025, by Governor Kathy Hochul and mandates that platforms clearly warn users about the possible psychological harm linked to so-called addictive design elements. The measure is rooted in research cited by the state that compares the neurological stimulation caused by social media exposure to pathways associated with substance use and gambling addictions, particularly through overstimulation of the brain’s reward centres.
Under the new framework, the warning labels are intended to function in a manner similar to health and safety warnings found on other consumer products, such as tobacco or plastic packaging, which are designed to communicate risk and encourage informed use. The legislation positions these disclosures as a public health intervention aimed at safeguarding children and teenagers from digital environments that may negatively affect mental well-being.
Enforcement powers have been granted to the New York state attorney general. Social media companies that fail to comply once the law comes into force could face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law applies to conduct that occurs partly or wholly within New York State but does not extend to platform use by individuals who are physically located outside the state.
Major social media companies likely to be affected include platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, X, Reddit, Snapchat and YouTube, many of which rely heavily on algorithmic content delivery and engagement-driven design. As of publication, companies including TikTok, Snap, Meta and Alphabet had not publicly responded to the new legal requirements.
New York’s move places it alongside other US states, including California and Minnesota, that have introduced laws aimed at regulating social media use among young people. The legislation comes amid growing scrutiny of the impact of social media on children’s mental health, with several US school districts already pursuing legal action against social media companies over alleged harm to students.
The issue has also gained momentum globally. Earlier in December, Australia implemented a nationwide ban preventing children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms. Other countries, including Malaysia and Denmark, have indicated plans to consider similar restrictions, while the United Kingdom, Germany and France have strengthened regulatory frameworks governing social media use by minors.
