AG Kwame Raoul calls on Congress to attach warning label to certain social media sites

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and 41 other attorneys general have called on Congress to pass legislation aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of social media.

The 42 attorneys general ask Congress to require a warning label on "algorithm-driven" social media platforms in a letter dated Sept. 9 and sent to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"By mandating a surgeon general’s warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms, Congress can help abate this growing crisis and protect future generations of Americans," the letter reads.

The attorneys general outlined harmful psychological effects of that type of social media, arguing certain platforms are fueling a concerning mental health crisis among younger generations. Social media that uses algorithms can contribute to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and disrupted sleep, the letter says.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wrote an op-ed in the New York Times pushing for the same type of warning label.

"A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms," the letter says. "We urge Congress to consider such measures and continue the search for innovative solutions to protect our children in the face of emerging technologies."

Some states and leaders have already taken other routes to push back against social media platforms. Raoul and others joined a lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta for its strategies targeting children on the apps.

"Our children should be aware that social media platforms utilize features to make their platforms more addictive to young people. These algorithm-driven platforms can interfere with sleep and education, enable cyberbullying and contribute to depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and thoughts of self-harm,” Raoul said in a news release. “I am committed to holding responsible actors accountable for putting profits ahead of mental health and well-being of our children.”