BILL NUMBER: S927
SPONSOR: MARTINS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law and the executive law, in
relation to the regulation of social media companies and social media
platforms
 
PURPOSE:
This bill is intended to make it unlawful for a minor to hold or open a
social media account without parental consent and access.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. amends the general business- law by adding a new article 9-D;
referred to as the New York Social Media Regulation Act. This will add
age requirements, parental consent and access to a minor's social media
accounts, as well as the option to limit access for minors to these
accounts. Social media companies shall verify age of existing or new NIS
account holders and if a minor, confirm minor has parental or guardian
consent. If an account holder fails to meet the verification require-
ments, access to account will be denied by the social media company.
§2 of the executive law defines powers and duties granted, compliance,
enforcement and penalties.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State's children spend a staggering amount of time on various
social media platforms. And while some may have benefits for young
people, there have been many studies and media reports that have high-
lighted occurrences of minors under the age of 18 who have been nega-
tively affected by social media, including peer pressure, bullying,
depression, anxiety and even suicide. This bill seeks to better protect
- our children by empowering parents and guardians to have more control
over their children's social media consumption by knowing what platforms
they are using by instituting parental consent and access to their chil-
dren's accounts. Big tech companies that do not comply could be fined
and potentially face legal action.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.6418 Referred to Internet & Technology
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
More
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
December 31, 2025

Statutes affected:
S927: 94-a executive law, 94-a(5) executive law