New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04561

Introduced
2/7/25  
Refer
2/7/25  

Caption

Prevents interactive computer service providers from knowingly or negligently promoting developed content that is dangerous or otherwise injurious to minors; assesses a civil penalty to social media networks that knowingly or negligently promote such content.

Summary

Bill S04561 aims to amend the General Business Law in New York to prevent interactive computer service providers from knowingly or negligently promoting developed content that is deemed dangerous or injurious to minors. The bill defines key terms such as 'interactive computer service providers,' 'content,' and 'targeted minor,' establishing a framework for accountability regarding the promotion of harmful content to individuals under eighteen years of age. It imposes civil liabilities on service providers who violate these provisions, allowing targeted minors to seek damages for any harm incurred due to such content.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would introduce significant changes to the responsibilities of interactive computer service providers operating in New York. It would create legal grounds for minors to pursue civil action against these providers if they are harmed by promoted content. The bill also establishes a civil penalty of up to $100,000 per offense, which could lead to increased scrutiny and potential changes in content moderation practices by these platforms to avoid liability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S04561 appears to be cautious, with discussions likely focusing on the balance between protecting minors and the implications for free speech and content moderation. While the intent to safeguard minors is generally supported, concerns may arise regarding the potential overreach of liability and the challenges in defining what constitutes 'injurious content.'

Contention

Notable points of contention may include the definitions of 'knowingly' and 'negligently' in the context of promoting content, as well as the implications for free speech rights under the First Amendment. Critics may argue that the bill could impose excessive burdens on service providers and stifle legitimate content dissemination, while proponents emphasize the need for accountability in protecting minors from harmful content.

Companion Bills

NY A03335

Same As Prevents interactive computer service providers from knowingly or negligently promoting developed content that is dangerous or otherwise injurious to minors; assesses a civil penalty to social media networks that knowingly or negligently promote such content.

Previously Filed As

NY A00927

Prevents interactive computer service providers from knowingly or negligently promoting developed content that is dangerous or otherwise injurious to minors; assesses a civil penalty to social media networks that knowingly or negligently promote such content.

NY S02319

Prevents interactive computer service providers from knowingly or negligently promoting developed content that is dangerous or otherwise injurious to minors; assesses a civil penalty to social media networks that knowingly or negligently promote such content.

NY A03335

Prevents interactive computer service providers from knowingly or negligently promoting developed content that is dangerous or otherwise injurious to minors; assesses a civil penalty to social media networks that knowingly or negligently promote such content.

NY A01108

Prohibits interactive computer service providers from knowingly promoting content to a targeted user and with the intention of developing the content, cause the user extreme emotional harm, physical injury or financial injury.

NY S02181

Prohibits interactive computer service providers from knowingly promoting content to a targeted user and with the intention of developing the content, cause the user extreme emotional harm, physical injury or financial injury.

NY A03263

Prohibits interactive computer service providers from knowingly promoting content to a targeted user and with the intention of developing the content, cause the user extreme emotional harm, physical injury or financial injury.

NY HB671

Torts; right of action against any person who knowingly or negligently engages in sexually explicit conduct in the presence of a minor; provide

NY HB1618

Parental consent; require for minors before use of interactive computer services.

NY SB612

To Create A Private Right Of Action Against A Social Media Platform That Causes Harm; And To Impose A Civil Penalty On A Social Media Platform That Knowingly And Willfully Contributes To A Minor's Suicide Or Suicide Attempt.

NY HB1576

Interactive computer service providers; require parental consent and access to minor user's account history.

Similar Bills

WY HB0162

Interactive gaming.

MS SB2740

Mississippi Keeping Kids Safe Online Act; enact.

DC B26-0044

Business Improvement District Resiliency Act of 2025

MD HB5

Criminal Law - Child Sexual Abuse Material - Artificial Intelligence Software

WV HB4397

Relating to privilege tax on holding a license to operate interactive wagering

CA AB2412

State agencies or departments: public communications.

HI SB2496

Relating To Early Learning.

HI HB2019

Relating To Early Learning.