Governor Hochul Pushes for Enhanced Online Child Privacy in New York
ALBANY – As the state Legislature reconvenes in Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul is advocating for stronger protections regarding children’s privacy online.
In a statement, Hochul emphasized her desire to enhance parental control over children’s online interactions. This includes stricter age verification measures and limiting unsolicited messaging from strangers.
“Life can be complicated enough as we grow older. Kids should enjoy the freedom and beauty of learning and the positive influence of teachers,” Hochul shared while speaking to students at her former high school in Hamburg, New York.
The governor intends to present her proposal during the State of the Union address set for January 13, where she will outline her priorities for 2026.
This initiative is informed by a previous bill introduced by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Rep. Nilly Rozi, focusing on the significant impact of technology and social media on young New Yorkers.
Last year, Hochul had already signed legislation that prohibited cell phone use for children in schools statewide and mandated health warning labels on social media products.
Additionally, a 2024 law was enacted to prevent social media companies from using “addictive” algorithms or profiting from the data of users under 18.
This year’s proposals would broaden age verification to cover gaming platforms and require parental consent for children under 13 to connect with strangers or receive messages. They would also disable AI chatbot features aimed at minors and enforce parental controls on financial transactions within apps.
“We are making social media companies responsible for their actions,” Hochul remarked to reporters. She pointed out the lack of federal action, asserting that states must address these concerns directly.
The initiative appears poised to gain traction in the state Legislature.
“This is the stark reality of today’s internet: platforms that children frequently use often fail to protect them from potential threats,” Gounardes commented in a statement. “We regulate various products for children’s safety—there’s no reason why platforms like Roblox should be treated any differently.”
