US Domestic News Recap: Social Media Legislation and Astronaut Tributes

New York lawmakers have taken a significant step to protect youths on social media by passing legislation that aims to prevent platforms from exposing addictive algorithmic content to users under the age of 18 without parental consent. This move comes as several states across the country are working to limit online risks to children, with New York being the latest to take action.

In addition to the measure targeting addictive content, lawmakers also approved a companion bill that restricts online sites from collecting and selling the personal data of underage users. Both bills received final legislative approval in the New York Assembly, following clearance in the state Senate.

Meanwhile, in other news, retired astronaut William Anders, known for being one of the first three humans to orbit the moon and capturing the iconic “Earthrise” photo during NASA’s Apollo 8 mission in 1968, tragically passed away in a plane crash in Washington state at the age of 90. NASA chief Bill Nelson paid tribute to Anders, highlighting the profound impact of the image he captured.

Furthermore, families of the Sandy Hook massacre victims have reached a significant milestone in their legal battle against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, as they have accepted his proposal to liquidate his assets, including InfoWars, to partially pay legal judgments related to his false claims about the tragic 2012 school shooting. Jones, who filed for bankruptcy protection 17 months ago, has abandoned efforts to reduce the substantial amount he owes to the families affected by the devastating event.