ny assembly parent law bill passes, making social media companies legally liable for minors' mental health decline.
The New York State Assembly has passed a landmark bill that could change the internet forever. Starting in 2026, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram will be legally required to pay damages to parents whose children develop anxiety, depression, or eating disorders proven to be caused by algorithmic feeds. The bill, dubbed the "Digital Duty of Care Act," shifts the burden of proof onto tech giants, forcing them to hand over internal data on recommendation engines. Early estimates suggest New York families could see thousands of dollars in settlements annually. "We're sending a message: your algorithm is not a toy, and our children are not product testers," said lead Assembly sponsor. Critics warn this will decimate free speech and force smaller apps offline. But New York's bet? That personal injury lawyers will be the most effective regulators the internet has ever seen.