In an effort to protect children from becoming addicted to social media apps, Google and Meta have joined forces with other big tech companies to oppose two New York bills. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act aims to limit the use of addictive feeds by social media companies that keep children glued to their devices. The law requires parental consent for offering addictive content to children and bans social media companies from sending notifications to children and teens between midnight and 6 a.m. without parental approval. Additionally, the New York Children’s Data Protection Law aims to safeguard minors’ personal information.
According to a report by The New York Post, Big Tech companies, advocacy groups, and other sectors have spent over $823,000 lobbying lawmakers in Albany to fight against these bills. It is expected that spending to oppose the bills will exceed one million dollars in the next disclosure round. Facebook, Meta, Google, and TikTok are among the top spenders in opposition to the proposed legislation.
Tech companies argue that such laws could impede free speech, compromise teens’ online privacy, restrict internet access for marginalized groups, and disrupt algorithms that combat hate speech. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, a co-sponsor of the bills, has criticized the organized efforts to discredit the legislation in Albany, noting the challenge of combating well-funded lobbying campaigns from these tech giants.
Despite the opposition, Gounardes remains optimistic about the bipartisan support for the bills in the Senate and believes meaningful progress can be made to protect children on social media during this legislative session. A spokesperson from Meta emphasized the importance of creating consistent online experiences for teens and their parents, urging lawmakers to prioritize legislation that empowers parents and supports teenagers in the online realm.
In conclusion, the ongoing battle between tech companies and lawmakers in New York highlights the complex issues surrounding children’s online safety and addiction to social media platforms. As the debate continues, it remains essential to find a balance between protecting minors from harmful online content and ensuring that innovative technologies can thrive in a regulated environment that prioritizes the well-being of young users.
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https://www.dailywire.com/news/google-meta-join-big-tech-firms-opposing-ny-online-child-safety-bills
