Common Sense Media Applauds New York Governor For Signing Two Bills to Protect Kids and Teens Online

NEW YORK, NY, June 20, 2024 — Two New York bills that aim to protect kids and teens from addictive algorithms, incessant notifications, and personal data collection on social media platforms have become law. Common Sense Media, the lead advocacy organization that supported the passage of the two bills, spoke alongside Governor Hochul and Attorney General James during a signing ceremony earlier today in New York City.

Lauren Salem, a member of the Common Sense Media New York Advisory Council, addressed the crowd at the signing event and challenged the tech industry to hold itself accountable for protecting kids online: "As a mother and an advocate, I have a few words for our friends in the tech industry: Join the movement to protect kids online. Design your products to protect our kids. Be on the right side of history and work with the Attorney General to implement these laws."

Since its founding 20 years ago, Common Sense Media has worked tirelessly to spread awareness about the benefits but also the harms of technology and social media for kids, conduct research, educate teachers and parents on digital literacy, and advocate for youth safety and well-being. In the last six months alone, Common Sense has helped to usher in six bills that have become law in three states (Maryland, Colorado, and now New York).

"When the state's most powerful leaders join forces to prioritize the well-being of kids and families over Big Tech's profits, amazing things can happen," said James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media. "Governor Hochul, Attorney General James, Senator Gounrdes and Assemblywoman Rozic deserve all New Yorkers' gratitude for fighting for these groundbreaking bills and for enacting them into law. We're proud to have contributed to this victory and excited to see these bills set a precedent for other states, and Congress, when it comes to ensuring kids' online safety."

About Common Sense

Common Sense is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach approximately 150 million users worldwide and 1.2 million educators per year. Learn more at www.commonsense.org.