New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) dismissed some criticism of the new social media laws she signed last week to address the impact it could have on children’s mental health.
“You cannot turn a blind eye to the trauma that is being inflicted on our children, especially young teenagers today, at a seminal point in their lives… they are being bombarded with intensely addictive algorithms to pull them into a dark space and keep them captive,” she said on CNN’s “State of the Union” when asked about concerns about the new law.
Hochul signed two social media laws last week that will regulate how social media companies provide addictive features to children and how they collect and use minors’ data. She also said Sunday that she “absolutely” believes the laws will hold up in court.
Under the Safe for Kids Act, social media platforms will be prevented from offering addictive features to children without parental consent. Companies would also be prohibited from collecting, using or selling personal data from children and teenagers without consent, according to the Children’s Data Protection Law.
Hochul also said he met with young people on forums and discussed with them on social media.
“A young woman once said to me, ‘You need to save us from ourselves. We can not stop.’ And I thought, it’s not her fault. These companies are monetizing our children’s mental health, they are taking it from them,” she said.
“And if we don’t stand up as a government and as parents, New York’s first mother governor, I will make sure we fight for our children,” she added.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
