News

Hochul signs legislation requiring warning labels for children on social media platforms

Hochul signs legislation requiring warning labels for children on social media platforms

Photo: Saga Communications


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – New York is attempting to limit the damaging effects of social media on young people.

On Dec. 23, 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring social media companies to display warning labels to children.

The amendment targets platforms that offer addictive feeds, auto-play, or infinite scrolling. It builds on the 2024 SAFE for Kids Act, which introduced multiple parental controls and bolstered age-verification requirements.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve transparency. 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.”

Recent studies from the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General show adolescents who spend over 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression.

News

14 hours ago in Entertainment

Actor Michael Keaton is named Man of the Year by Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals

Actor Michael Keaton has been named 2026 Man of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals. The theater group, which dates to 1844 and claims to be the world's third-oldest still operating, announced Wednesday that Keaton will receive his Pudding Pot award at a celebratory roast Feb. 6.

20 hours ago in Entertainment

Trevor Noah to host Grammys for the sixth and final time

Trevor Noah will be hosting the Grammy Awards for the sixth consecutive year, but this time, it's being billed as a farewell gig. The Recording Academy announced Tuesday that the South African comedian is returning "one final time" for the Feb. 1 show, for which he will also serve as an executive producer.

20 hours ago in Entertainment

Actor Kiefer Sutherland arrested for allegedly assaulting a ride-hail driver, police say

Actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested on suspicion of criminal threats early Monday morning after Los Angeles police say he assaulted a ride-hail driver.

1 day ago in Community, Lifestyle, Local

Community Foundation of Tompkins County names new chief development officer

On January 12, Steph Bailey was appointed as the new Chief Development Officer of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.