California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a significant step by signing a new bill that prohibits social media companies from sending addictive content to children without parental consent. This groundbreaking legislation aims to protect the well-being of minors and limit their exposure to harmful online practices.
The law, set to be enforced in 2027, restricts social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during specific hours without parental approval. It also mandates that children’s accounts be automatically set to private mode as a default setting.
Governor Newsom emphasized the detrimental effects of social media addiction on young individuals, highlighting issues such as isolation, stress, and excessive screen time. By implementing this bill, California is taking proactive measures to safeguard children from potentially harmful online behaviors deliberately designed to foster addictive habits.
The legislation defines an “addictive feed” as any platform where user-generated content is recommended based on user data or device information. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health and emotional well-being among youth.
Other states have also taken steps towards regulating social media platforms for child safety. New York recently passed the “Safe for Kids Act,” while California’s new law has garnered support from educational and medical organizations advocating for children’s welfare.
Despite opposition from certain groups like the ACLU of California and tech giants such as TikTok and Facebook, this legislation marks a significant milestone in protecting young users from potential harm caused by excessive exposure to digital content.
California
2024-10-10 09:15:02
Source from www.ibtimes.com