Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids (SAFE) Act

The NYCLU opposes S.7694-A / A.8148-A, titled the “Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act” (SAFE Act). A product of the Legislature’s concerns about the potentially harmful effects of too much social media on minors—particularly teenagers—the bill aims to curtail social media platforms’ use of so-called “addictive feeds”: website design features that increase user engagement by offering content customized to each user’s past browsing habits and preferences. While well-intended, it unfortunately faces the same nearly insurmountable First Amendment obstacles as recent efforts in California, Arkansas, Ohio, Florida and other states. Because it is almost certain to be struck down, we respectfully urge members to vote against it.