New York will require social media platforms with features such as infinite scrolling, auto-play, and algorithmic feeds to display warning labels about potential mental health risks for children, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, Reuters reported.

The move positions New York among a growing list of jurisdictions introducing regulatory measures to mitigate youth exposure to digital platforms.

The law applies to platforms operating partly or wholly in New York, though it excludes users accessing services from outside the state. Violations carry civil penalties of up to 5,000 US dollars per instance, enforceable by the state attorney general.

Hochul compared the warnings to those on tobacco products or hazardous household items, highlighting the government’s intent to raise awareness of risks that may encourage excessive usage among minors. “Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features,” she said, Reuters reported.

The legislation follows growing scrutiny over social media’s impact on children’s mental health. In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory recommending protective measures, including warning labels. Australia recently introduced a ban on social media use for children under 16, while U.S. states such as California and Minnesota have enacted similar laws.

The regulation adds pressure on major tech firms, including TikTok, Meta, Snap, and Alphabet, to incorporate compliance mechanisms in their products. Reuters reported that the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. U.S. school districts have increasingly pursued legal action against social media companies, citing links between platform design and adverse effects on minors’ wellbeing.