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The Attorneys General of 42 states have called on Congress to implement the Surgeon General’s warning label on social media.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Back in June, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for a warning label on social media platforms (similar to those found on tobacco and alcohol products). He argued that there was a direct link between social media and mental health risks in adolescents, emphasizing how algorithm-driven content can worsen these issues. Murthy pointed to studies showing that warning labels raise awareness and influence behavior, suggesting the same should apply to social media.
What’s going on now: Attorneys general from 42 states are calling on Congress to pass legislation that would require the Surgeon General’s warnings on algorithm-driven social media platforms, pointing to the growing mental health risks for young people. They believe a federal law is essential since state efforts to regulate social media have been met with industry pushback, including legal battles.
The letter: In a letter to top US lawmakers, the attorney generals wrote, “A surgeon general’s warning on social media platforms, though not sufficient to address the full scope of the problem, would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to youth. A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research, and investment into the oversight of social media platforms.” They added, “This problem will not solve itself and the social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own.”
Social media companies fight back: Social media companies argue that adding a Surgeon General’s warning is too simplistic and overlooks the complexity of online platforms. They claim a blanket warning could overshadow social media’s positive aspects, like fostering connections and support communities, especially for young people. These companies also point to the safety features, improved parental controls, and well-being initiatives they’ve already implemented, suggesting more regulations could stifle innovation and limit the good their platforms offer. Some have even legally challenged state-level regulations, arguing these measures interfere with their business practices and free speech rights.
What states backed the letter: The Attorney Generals from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming all signed off on the letter.
