Hochul signs social media legislation

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Governor Kathy Hochul signed nation-leading legislation to protect children on social media in Manhattan on Thursday. Hochul put her signature on New York’s SAFE for Kids Act, which will turn social media alerts off for children between midnight and 6 a.m.

The new legislation restricts social media companies from using addictive feed features for children under the age of 18. The Office of the Attorney General plans to impose civil penalties on social media companies up to $5,000 for each violation.

The legislation also includes the establishment of acceptable age verification and parental consent methods. Once Hochul signs the act, the Office of the Attorney General will determine these methods during the rulemaking process.