Bill > S04609

This bill, known as the "Stop Online Predators Act," requires operators of "covered platforms" – public or semi-public websites, online services, or applications used by minors in New York that allow user profiles, content posting, and private messaging – to implement age verification to identify "covered minors" (users under 18). For these minors, platforms must default to strict privacy settings, preventing unsolicited private messages, limiting profile visibility, and restricting content downloads and financial transactions. Parental approval is mandatory for all new connections and financial transactions for users under 13, and for any less protective privacy setting changes for those under 16, with notification required for users aged 16-17 when they adjust settings to be less protective. The bill also prohibits "dark patterns," which are deceptive design choices that undermine user choices, and outlines enforcement mechanisms and penalties, including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, to be overseen by the Attorney General.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4609