A few weeks ago, I wrote a column in this space outlining the reasons why so many people are just so unhappy. Not surprisingly, social media is one of the main culprits. Albany now has the chance to do something about it and our state comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, could then drive even more change nationally.
The first step for the Legislature is passing a pair of bills authored by state Sen. Andrew Gournardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic that would create an opt-in for minors using social media and protect children’s data. The legislation restricts social media platforms from pushing an algorithmic feed in front of minors without parental consent.
Kids would only see the people and topics they choose to follow. Disturbing images, awful advice and toxic content would no longer be forced on them day and night. The bill protects kids without violating the First Amendment.
Gov. Hochul and Attorney General Tish James have lent their powerful support to the bill with the governor including the language in her budget. Of course the social media platforms oppose the bill. Of course they’ll try to buy off groups on the left to tout their lies and scare the........