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Bill

HC

Bill

A 4664

Prohibits social media platforms from promoting certain practices or features of eating disorders to child users.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Herb Conaway and 5 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill bans social media platforms from algorithmically promoting eating disorder content to minors under 18, requiring compliance safeguards with enforcement penalties.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
#children #internet
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Bill Summary · A 4664

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4664 prohibits social media platforms from knowingly promoting content, features, or algorithms that encourage eating disorder behaviors to users under 18 years old. The bill requires platforms to implement safeguards and imposes penalties for non-compliance. It represents one of the first state-level regulatory efforts targeting algorithmic promotion of harmful eating disorder content to minors.

Why is this important

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, and research indicates social media exposure—particularly content glorifying disordered eating—correlates with increased risk among adolescents. This bill addresses a documented public health concern by holding platforms accountable for algorithmic amplification of harmful content rather than merely its existence. The legislation could establish a template for other states considering similar protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "promotion" and enforcement: Vague language around what constitutes algorithmic promotion versus passive hosting could create implementation challenges and litigation over intent versus effect
  • First Amendment concerns: Critics may argue the bill restricts platform speech rights; platforms will likely challenge whether prohibiting algorithmic amplification of certain content violates free speech protections
  • Operational burden on platforms: Compliance may require significant content moderation resources and algorithmic redesign, with costs potentially passed to consumers or affecting service availability
  • Scope and unintended consequences: The bill's application to features like filters or community groups may be overly broad, potentially limiting legitimate mental health support communities or body-positive spaces

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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