New Yorkers will soon need to verify their age to access algorithmic feeds
New York state has finalized rules for the SAFE for Kids Act, requiring social media platforms to verify the ages of users before allowing access to algorithmic feeds or late-night notifications. The law, which takes effect in 2027, aims to protect minors by mandating strict age-gating and parental consent protocols.
Why it matters
This represents a significant regulatory shift in how social media platforms must manage user data and content delivery to minors.
New Yorkers who want to see their Instagram or TikTok feed curated by an algorithm, or receive notification after midnight, will soon have to verify their ages to access those features.
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a set of final rules on how to implement the SAFE for Kids Act, signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul (D) in June 2024. The rules lay out in more detail what social media platforms subject to the law will need to do in order to comply, including standards for understanding users’ ages, and how to go about obtaining parental consent for kids to use walled-off features. The law will officially go into effect on January 25, 2027. After that point, failing to comply could cost platforms up to $5,000 per violation.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in