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Enacts the "Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for all act"; requires a setting which allows a social media user to turn off algorithmic recommendations and other notifications; prohibits the use of dark patterns to subvert choice or inhibit users from accessing certain mechanisms.
In one paragraph
New York's A 6974 (the "stop addictive feeds exploitation (safe) for all act") would add General Business Law Art. 45-A. Operators of addictive social media platforms would have to let New York users turn off algorithmic recommendations, turn off feed notifications (at minimum all of them, or those between 12 AM and 6 AM Eastern), turn off autoplay, and limit daily access, and could not use dark patterns. The Attorney General could seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. Would take effect 180 days after the Attorney General issues implementing rules. Referred to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee March 18, 2025 and January 7, 2026; it has not passed either chamber.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill is pending. If enacted, social media operators whose platforms feature algorithmic feeds would have to offer these user controls and avoid dark patterns, with Attorney General penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
Key provisions
- § 1510: an operator may not provide an addictive social media platform to a New York user unless the user can turn off algorithmic recommendations, turn off notifications about an addictive feed, turn off autoplay, and limit access to a user-specified length of day
- § 1511: the settings must be presented clearly; designs that intentionally subvert user choice or make it harder to exercise them, or to deactivate or cancel an account, are unlawful
- § 1509: an "addictive feed" is a regularly updated stream of algorithmic recommendations; several kinds of content (searches, subscribed content, private messages) are excluded
- § 1514-1515: the Attorney General must make rules and may sue for injunctions, restitution, disgorgement, damages and civil penalties "of up to five thousand dollars per violation"; no private right of action
- Would take effect on the 180th day after the attorney general's office promulgates the rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the act; referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection, with no further action
Latest legislative action
Jan 7, 2026. referred to consumer affairs and protection
Sponsors (showing 5 of 32)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Alex Bores D | Primary |
| BARCLAY | Primary |
| JAFFEE | Primary |
| Nader Sayegh D | Primary |
| ABINANTI | Cosponsor |
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This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error