Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has cosponsored two new bills aimed at protecting the well-being and privacy of children in the digital age.

Bill Number: A8148 - The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act

In recognition of the alarming rise in mental health issues among children linked to social media addiction, Assemblyman Santabarbara has co-sponsored legislation that seeks to curtail the harmful effects of addictive feeds utilized by social media platforms, which have been shown to exacerbate youth depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Under the proposed legislation, social media platforms would be prohibited from providing addictive feeds to minors under 18 years old without parental consent. Furthermore, provisions are made to prevent notifications from social media platforms to minors between the hours of 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, as late-night usage has been particularly detrimental to children's health. The bill also empowers both the Attorney General and private parties to seek remedies in cases of violations by social media platforms.

Assemblyman Santabarbara emphasized, "Our children's mental health is paramount, and it's crucial that we take proactive steps to protect them from the negative impacts of addictive social media feeds. This bill strikes a balance, ensuring children can still enjoy the benefits of social media while safeguarding them from potential harm."

Bill Number: A8149 - The New York Child Data Protection Act

In an effort to safeguard children's privacy rights online, Assemblyman Santabarbara has also co-sponsored legislation that aims to restrict digital services from collecting or utilizing the personal data of users under 18 without informed consent and imposes strict regulations on the sale or disclosure of such data.

Under the proposed Act, online platforms would be prohibited from collecting, using, or sharing personal data of individuals under 18 without explicit consent. The legislation also grants authority to the Attorney General to take legal action against platforms found in violation of these provisions.

Assemblyman Santabarbara commented, "Children deserve a safe and secure online environment where their privacy is respected. The New York Child Data Protection Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that children can explore the digital world without fear of exploitation or invasive data practices."