New York lawmakers are preparing to ban social media companies from using algorithms to control content seen by youth without parental consent. The legal initiative, expected to be voted on this week, aims to protect minors from automated feeds and notifications during overnight hours unless parents approve. The move comes as social media platforms face increasing scrutiny for their addictive nature and impact on young people's mental health.

Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a lawsuit against major social media companies, including Facebook and Instagram, for allegedly contributing to a mental health crisis among youth. Similar actions have been taken by other states, with Florida recently passing a law requiring parental consent for minors aged 14 and 15 to use social media and banning those under 14 from accessing these platforms.

Why does it matter?

The trend started with Utah, which became the first state to regulate children's social media access last year. States like Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas have since followed suit. The heightened regulation is affecting social media companies, with shares of Meta and Snap seeing a slight decline in extended trading.