Sen. Gounardes, AM Rozic Join Parents and Advocates to Call for New Online Protections for Kids

The ‘Stop Online Predators Act’ protects kids on gaming and social media platforms like Roblox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 9, 2026

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New York, NY - New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic joined parents and advocates today to call for the passage of their Stop Online Predators Act (formerly the New York Children's Online Safety Act), landmark legislation designed to protect kids on gaming and social media platforms like Roblox.

Roblox, where over 40% of users report they’re under 13, reported over 13,000 instances of child exploitation in just one year. One research firm described the site as “an X-rated pedophile hellscape.” This problem is pervasive across the internet; more than 300 million children worldwide are victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse.

The “Stop Online Predators Act” would require platforms to turn off open chat functions by default for kids, so strangers can’t privately message them. It also requires kids’ profiles be set to private, so strangers can’t view them without a friend request; prevents kids from receiving direct messages without first accepting a friend request, which requires parental approval for users under 13; and requires parents to approve financial transactions connected to a child’s account.

A version of the legislation will be included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address. At the event, speakers called on the state legislature to pass SOPA to protect kids from exploitation and hold Big Tech accountable for the safety of their products.

“The online platforms where our kids are spending so much time are totally failing to keep them safe. If they won’t act, we will,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “From toys to food to cars, we regulate all sorts of products to keep children safe. There’s no reason platforms like Roblox should be any different. In recent years, I’ve fought for—and won—landmark safety regulations on addictive algorithms, predatory data collection, and advanced AI. With these protections, we’re once again sending a clear message that New York will always prioritize our kids’ well-being over Big Tech’s profits.”

“Our kids should be able to play and connect online without being exposed to predators. Right now, too many platforms are failing to put basic safety guardrails in place, and families are paying the price. The Stop Online Predators Act puts parents, not strangers, in control, and takes meaningful steps to protect children online. I’m grateful to Senator Gounardes, the parents, and the advocates who are fighting every day to keep our kids safe,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.

"We know that before a new toy hits the market, it must be certified as safe for children,” said Liz Foley, Senior Director of Advocacy Campaigns at Common Sense Media. “Car seats have to undergo rigorous testing to ensure they protect kids in the event of an accident. Even kids’ pajamas must meet strict flammability standards. We require safeguards on almost every product intended for kids. Why should social media and video games be any different?"

“All across our country, kids are in danger because of Big Tech’s negligence and greed. Online gaming platforms need to take the necessary steps to protect kids who use their products, and they must be held accountable when they fail to do so,” said Julie Scelfo, executive director, Mothers Against Media Addiction. “The Stop Online Predators Act would do that. Now we need the rest of the legislature to follow Senator Gounardes and Assembly Member Rozic’s example and make this critical proposal a reality.”

“Big Tech wants to deny all responsibility for the harm their products have caused. But we’re here today to show that we won’t let them escape accountability,” said Muna Heaven, Mothers Against Media Addiction Harlem chapter leader. “I’m proud to stand with fellow parents and our allies in the legislature to support the Stop Online Predators Act. This bill would require Roblox and similar companies to take fundamental, critical steps to crack down on the abusive behavior that is spreading like wildfire on their gaming platforms today.”

“The Stop Online Predators Act would deliver what parents have been demanding: no more strangers messaging their kids, no more public profiles making children easy targets, and real parental control over friend requests and financial transactions. We are glad New York leaders continue listening to families and encourage them to act quickly on this bill to protect kids and hold Big Tech accountable,” said Sacha Haworth, Executive Director of The Tech Oversight Project.

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

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