Over forty state attorneys general advocate for the inclusion of Surgeon General cautionary labels on social media platforms.
"As regional Prosecutors, we occasionally disagree on significant matters, but we all have a constant worry for the well-being of the young individuals within our jurisdictions, and algorithm-driven social media platforms pose a threat to this safety," stated 42 district attorneys in a communication to Congress.
Various states have initiated legal proceedings against various social media corporations, such as Meta and TikTok. They contend that further action is necessary in Washington to inform people about the hazards that social media platforms pose.
"Beyond the historic endeavors of the states, this widespread concern necessitates federal intervention — and a Surgeon General's alert on social media platforms, while may not fully address the problem, would be an impactful measure towards decreasing the risk of harm to youth," the district attorneys stated.
The statement mirrored much of what Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted in a harsh piece published in the New York Times in June, which drew a parallel between the apps (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) and harmful cigarettes.
Murthy cited various studies, including a 2019 study published in JAMA by the American Medical Association, which indicated that teens who spend three hours a day on social media double their risk of depression. According to a Gallup poll, teens spend almost five hours a day on social media apps.
"Everyone needs to be aware of the risks associated with these social media platforms," said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. "The Surgeon General's recommendation is a valuable initial step towards raising more awareness about this issue, and I hope that warning labels will be implemented promptly to heighten awareness on this matter."
James has frequently encountered conflicts with social media corporations, leading the filing of a lawsuit against Meta in October 2023. The lawsuit accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of inflicting irreparable damage on the mental health of young adults.
Affixing a warning to social media apps necessitates Congressional approval.
In a June interview with CNN, Murthy expressed that "it's vital that parents are informed of what we now know, which is that there are significant harms associated with social media use."
Murthy has advocated for Congress to include a provision to add warning labels to apps that he described as exacerbating a mental health crisis that largely leaves parents powerless.
Thus far, Congress has neglected Murthy's call to introduce a bill requiring warning labels. However, the Senate did approve the Kids Online Safety Act this summer – a proposal supported by Microsoft, X, and Snap – which would compel tech companies to safeguard children from hazardous online content and assume liability when their platforms cause harm.
The tech industry's influence extends to the business sphere, as tech giants like Meta and TikTok face legal challenges from various states due to their impact on youth. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Surgeon General has suggested a federal intervention, including a Surgeon General's alert and potentially warning labels on these apps.
