Social media legislation in New York encounters a setback in timeline

The social media landscape in New York is on the brink of change, as the state's Legislature passed a law in 2024 aimed at regulating how social media companies interact with children. However, the regulation process has been slow, with the attorney general's office working quietly to draft the first version of the rules.

The law, which received near-unanimous support in both chambers of the Legislature and was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to prevent platforms from showing content to minors through algorithms tied to their online behavior without parental permission and stops notifications from being pushed to children during late-night hours.

Industry observers expect litigation to follow once New York finalizes its regulations for the social media law. Tech companies, including Google, Meta, Snapchat, and some lobbyists, have been actively lobbying the attorney general's office since 2025, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process.

However, no available information has been found regarding any organization in New York funding lobbying efforts against the social media legislation. The attorney general's office is also responsible for preparing to defend the law in court against potential legal challenges.

The process of drafting regulations for the New York law has been complicated, involving decisions about how companies will determine whether an account belongs to a child, what tools parents will have to opt their children out, and how these rules will account for issues like language access. Until the regulations are finalized, the protections promised by the law are not yet in effect for New York residents.

Lawmakers who sponsored the bill have remained largely silent as delays in the regulation process have occurred. The attorney general's office opened a public comment window last year to gather ideas but has since worked quietly to draft the first version of the rules.

The legal battle over the social media law in New York is expected to be lengthy. Courts across the country have been asked to weigh in on whether states can restrict the way social media platforms operate. Industry groups, such as NetChoice, have previously challenged similar laws in states like Arkansas, California, and Florida, with judges ruling in favor of the companies.

NetChoice has not yet filed a suit in New York but has criticized the measure, suggesting legal action could follow. The true impact of the law will not be known until the regulations are released, tested, and defended in court.

The law continues to be used as a political statement by Governor Hochul, highlighting its potential to protect children from addictive design features on social media platforms. The governor has emphasized the need for strong regulations to safeguard the well-being of young New Yorkers.

In conclusion, the social media law in New York represents a significant step towards protecting children online. However, the road to its implementation has been marked by lobbying, delays, and potential legal challenges. As the regulations are finalized and the law is enforced, New Yorkers will eagerly await the promised protections for their children.