• by Wendy Davis , 3 hours ago

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation requiring social media platforms with "addictive features" to display cigarette-style warning labels.

The measure applies to platforms with "addictive feeds" (generally meaning algorithmic recommendations), videos that play automatically and "infinite scroll" (meaning content that appears without users' manual input).

“New Yorkers deserve transparency," Hochul stated Friday. "With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”

Other states including Colorado, California and Minnesota have recently passed similar laws.

The tech industry group NetChoice sued over the Colorado measure, arguing it violates the First Amendment by forcing platforms to carry the government's opinion that social media is harmful.

Last month, a federal judge in Denver blocked the state from enforcing the law, writing that it's likely unconstitutional.

"The Court fully appreciates Colorado’s legitimate effort to protect the children and adolescents of our state from the impacts of social media use on their health and wellbeing," U.S. District Court Judge William Martinez wrote. "The Court concludes, however, that it is substantially likely NetChoice will succeed on the merits of its claims that Colorado may not pursue this laudable goal by compelling social media companies to speak its expressive messages."

Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser is appealing that ruling to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.