Most US attorneys general want Congress to add health warning labels to social media platforms

In a major move that may change how people, especially teenagers deal with social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok in the US, attorneys general from 42 states and Washington D.C., have united in a bipartisan effort to urge Congress to impose health warning labels on social media platforms.

This collective action, detailed in a letter released on Tuesday, aims to highlight the risks these platforms pose to the well-being of young users.

The surge in support reflects a growing endorsement of US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s request for social media warning labels. Murthy has highlighted research suggesting that excessive social media use, particularly over three hours a day, correlates with heightened risks of anxiety and depression among youth.

The letter, addressed to key Congressional leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, underscores a shared concern for the safety of children. The attorneys general expressed a common commitment to safeguarding youth from the adverse effects of algorithm-driven platforms.

Online safety for kids a major issue
The push for warning labels requires Congressional action to implement. While there is bipartisan support for enhancing digital well-being for children, legislative progress has been slow.

The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act in June, but the bill has stalled in the House due to debates over potential censorship and its impact on marginalised youth.

The proposed warning labels, modelled after tobacco warnings, are seen as a crucial step in addressing the risks but do not fully resolve the broader issues associated with social media use.

Clear message to Meta & TikTok
The call for warning labels comes amidst ongoing legal actions against major tech companies. Last year, attorneys general from 45 states and D.C. filed lawsuits against Meta, accusing the company of harmful and manipulative practices affecting young users.

Similar legal actions have been taken against TikTok, with some states continuing to investigate the company’s practices. Despite these efforts, the debate over the most effective ways to protect young users from the adverse effects of social media continues.