A proposed new law in the New York State Senate would require all social media platforms and online games to require age verification for online chats. The bill is aimed at preventing adults from interacting with users under the age of 18 on platforms like Steam, for the purpose of curbing online predators.
Age verification has become a hot-button issue in the online space, with many platforms and games moving to add systems requiring users to confirm their age. Platforms like Steam, Roblox, and Discord have made waves with their implementation of age verification software, though many users have found ways to skirt around the requirements. The state of California's Digital Age Assurance Act is even set to require PC and mobile device operating systems to ask users for their ages on startup, taking effect January 1, 2027. Now, New York may be following suit with similar restrictions to online platforms.
The Children's Online Safety Act, being considered by the New York State Senate, aims to place heavy restrictions on online chat systems. The bill would require all social media platforms and online games to "turn off open chat functions," with users only able to chat with others after...
