New York sued over law requiring social media 'warning label'

The internet trade group NetChoice filed a lawsuit against the state of New York on Friday, seeking to block a law requiring social media platforms to display warning labels about potential mental health risks for young users. The lawsuit argues that the law infringes on the free speech protections under the US Constitution's First Amendment by forcing NetChoice's members, including major social media companies like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, to convey the state's preferred message on online safety.

The New York law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December, targets platforms with features like infinite scrolling, auto-play, and algorithmic feeds, mandating a Surgeon General warning about possible mental health harms associated with excessive use. NetChoice contends that the repeated, interruptive warnings disrupt user experience and block protected speech, likening them to static product labels.

The law, similar to one in Colorado, which was blocked by a federal judge in November, is set to take effect on January 1.