07:29 AM EDT, 06/10/2024 (MT Newswires) -- New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday praised the passage of two bills to ban social media platforms from using "addictive" algorithms for child users and to protect children's personal data.

The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation, or SAFE, for Kids Act will require social media companies to restrict addictive feeds for users under 18 years old, Hochul's office said. Meanwhile, the New York Child Data Protection Act will prohibit the collection and usage of children's personal data.

The bills represent a "step forward in our efforts to address the youth mental health crisis and create a safer digital environment for young people," Hochul said.

The NY legislation would also require the establishment of parental consent and age verification methods and impose penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, according to the governor's office.

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