New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08605

Introduced
12/5/25  
Refer
12/5/25  

Caption

Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.

Impact

The act amends the general business law by introducing new obligations for social media platforms, which must now verify the identities of advertisers, screen ad content for potential deception, and maintain records of their vetting processes. Platforms are also required to take down any advertisement suspected of being fraudulent and report their compliance to the attorney general. This legislation shifts part of the responsibility for containing fraudulent activity from consumers to the platforms themselves, compelling them to enact measures that effectively reduce risks associated with deceptive advertising.

Summary

Bill S08605, known as the Fraudulent Social-Media Advertising Prevention Act, seeks to address the issue of fraudulent advertisements on social media platforms by establishing a framework of responsibilities for these platforms. The New York Legislature has recognized the increasing prevalence of deceptive advertisements that target vulnerable populations, including seniors and those with limited technological skills. This act aims to protect consumers by mandating that social media platforms take active measures to prevent and remove fraudulent ads prior to their publication, thereby securing a safer advertising environment for users in New York.

Contention

The introduction of Bill S08605 may have implications for the advertising industry, as platforms could face greater scrutiny and potential legal challenges if they fail to comply with the new standards. While many consumer advocacy groups support the bill, emphasizing the need for stronger protections against scams, there is also concern regarding the costs and complexities that these regulations might impose on platform operators. Critics may argue that too stringent regulations could stifle innovation or limit advertising opportunities for legitimate businesses, leading to a possible backlash against such laws.

Implementation

If enacted, the act will empower the attorney general's office to enforce compliance with the new regulations, including the ability to impose civil penalties for violations. This feature is intended to motivate platforms to implement substantial anti-fraud measures proactively. Additionally, the annual public reporting requirement will enhance transparency about how well these platforms are safeguarding their users against fraud and ensuring adherence to the law, thus keeping both regulatory bodies and the public informed on the effectiveness of these protective measures.

Companion Bills

NY A11066

Same As Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.

Previously Filed As

NY A11066

Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.

NY A10047

Establishes disclosure requirements for AI-generated or materially AI-altered media depicting historically recognized human disasters when such media is publicly distributed; requires platform operators to allow the use of labelling; provides for enforcement by the attorney general.

NY S09417

Enacts the "stopping abuse and fraud enabled by (SAFE) platforms act"; requires a mechanism for users to report fraudulent content; prohibits platforms recommending, promoting, curating, prioritizing, or displaying fraudulent content for delivery to a user if it knows or has reason to know that the content is fraudulent.

NY A10561

Enacts the "stopping abuse and fraud enabled by (SAFE) platforms act"; requires a mechanism for users to report fraudulent content; prohibits platforms recommending, promoting, curating, prioritizing, or displaying fraudulent content for delivery to a user if it knows or has reason to know that the content is fraudulent.

NY HB2648

Enacting the social media and telecommunications fraud accountability act, requiring social media platforms to exercise reasonable care in preventing the dissemination of fraudulent advertisements, prohibiting falsely identifying names or numbers on telephone caller ID systems and the unauthorized use of a bank name in electronic advertisements or solicitations and making violations of the act an unconscionable act or practice under the Kansas consumer protection act.

NY A10611

Provides that the requirement for advertisements referring to an insurer to include the insurer's full name and principal office shall not apply to digital advertisements.

NY SF4696

Social media platforms requirements establishment related to accounts for minors

NY A09165

Requires social media platforms to remove content depicting the violent death of a human being within twenty-fours after receiving notice or otherwise becoming aware of such content; requires social media platforms to provide an easily accessible and usable mechanism for users to report such content.

NY S09403

Removes requirement for advertisements referring to an insurer to include the insurer's full name and principal office; makes technical corrections relating thereto.

NY HF4138

Social media platforms requirements established relating to accounts for minors, and enforcement mechanisms established for regulations on child social media accounts.

Similar Bills

HI HB1458

Relating To Taxation Of Advertising Revenue By Major Social Media Platforms.

NY A11066

Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.

CA AB796

Social media platforms: advertising: tax.

HI HB1458

Relating To Taxation Of Advertising Revenue By Major Social Media Platforms.

US SB414

ADS for Mental Health Services Act Advancing Digital Support for Mental Health Services Act

NY S09417

Enacts the "stopping abuse and fraud enabled by (SAFE) platforms act"; requires a mechanism for users to report fraudulent content; prohibits platforms recommending, promoting, curating, prioritizing, or displaying fraudulent content for delivery to a user if it knows or has reason to know that the content is fraudulent.

NY A10561

Enacts the "stopping abuse and fraud enabled by (SAFE) platforms act"; requires a mechanism for users to report fraudulent content; prohibits platforms recommending, promoting, curating, prioritizing, or displaying fraudulent content for delivery to a user if it knows or has reason to know that the content is fraudulent.

AZ HB2195

Digital advertising; content; children; penalty