Internet and Social Media Restrictions: Time to Regulate the Most Consumed Service Out There?

For many people, social media offers an escape from reality—a gateway into a world increasingly curated by algorithms that deliver what we “think” we want, whether or not we truly need it. Social media apps often become the first refuge after a long day, an exhausting workout, or any stressful moment. And no one feels stress more intensely than teenagers. Emotions run high, and the dramatic physical changes during adolescence can make pre-teen and post-teen versions of the same person seem entirely different. 

Add to that the pressures of school, the drive to secure a college spot, obtain scholarships, and discover one’s passions. This is why Oxford University Press’ 2024 word of the year, “brain rot,” has struck a chord. Even though “brain rot” was once associated with short, animated, low-quality, mindless videos, today’s trend is all about brief clips that offer instant gratification—be it Instagram reels, YouTube shorts, or the infamous TikTok videos. This shift, as educators note, is gradually contributing to shorter attention spans among students.

Now, what does all this have to do with the law? And why should we care if social media is increasingly dominating the lives of our youth? That’s because several states are now taking steps to address these issues through new laws and acts. In recent weeks, various states have introduced initiatives aimed at curbing some of the more concerning aspects of social media. While internet regulation is common in countries like Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, such measures are still relatively rare in the US.

the proposed SAFE for All Act prioritizes user autonomy over time spent on the app, sending a clear message to some of the world’s most profitable companies that New Yorkers refuse to compromise their mental health for corporate gains

Take New York, for example, which is striving to become the first state to require social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithmically curated feeds. Such a measure would enable users to disable recommendation notifications and autoplay media features during the late-night hours—after all, shouldn’t we be asleep between midnight and 6 a.m.? As part of this initiative, the proposed SAFE for All Act prioritizes user autonomy over time spent on the app, sending a clear message to some of the world’s most profitable companies that New Yorkers refuse to compromise their mental health for corporate gains. The state senator behind the proposal doesn’t stop there; he also plans to introduce legislation requiring social media companies to display labels warning users about the potential mental and physical health effects of addictive platforms—drawing a parallel with the mandatory warnings on tobacco products or alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

However, this approach has faced fierce opposition from social media giants. Platforms like Meta and Google, represented by NetChoice—a tech industry trade association that backs some of Silicon Valley’s largest players—are determined to protect their interests. A similar battle unfolded over California’s Senate Bill 976, also known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, which sought to stop platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to minors without parental consent. Although the law, passed in September, was slated to take effect on February 1, a Ninth Circuit injunction halted its implementation. The California Attorney General’s office made it clear that “SB 976 is about protecting children and giving families a choice over the relationship they want to create with social media, not limiting speech,” as stated by a spokesperson to Courthouse News. 

Even Maryland hasn’t been immune to NetChoice’s legal challenges; the state filed a lawsuit against its online children’s privacy legislation—an adaptation of a revised California model. The Maryland AADC aims to establish stronger protections for youth aged 17 and under by extending regulatory obligations to businesses offering online services, products, or features likely to be accessed by children.

NetChoice has its goals—and rightly so, given that it represents some of the largest tech companies in the world. Yet, as in every industry, consumers must be safeguarded. First Amendment rights have never been more at stake, and whether or not social media becomes more regulated will depend on the creativity and resolve behind these bills and acts.

Kareem Subei

Kareem is a soccer and tennis enthusiast. Of Arab descent and raised in Saudi Arabia, his passion lies in laws and events that resonate across borders. He completed his undergraduate studies at OSU, the national champs!