Senate passes legislation aimed at protecting minors online
The Senate on Tuesday passed legislation aimed at protecting children online amid an ongoing national debate about the effect of social media use on children.
The Senate passed legislation on Tuesday to protect children online, with a vote of 91-3. The legislative package consists of two key bills: the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act. KOSA requires platforms to implement safeguards for minors, such as restricting access to personal data and giving parents supervisory tools. It also prohibits features that encourage prolonged platform usage and certain types of advertising to minors. The bill enables reports of harm to minors and empowers the FTC to enforce KOSA, with support from state attorneys general. Sponsors of the bill attribute its success to the personal stories and advocacy of parents and young people.
The companion bill, sponsored by Senators Ed Markey and Bill Cassidy, strengthens protections for minors' personal information by raising the age of consent for data collection to 17 and banning targeted advertising. Supporters of the legislation highlight its bipartisan support and targeted approach to addressing Big Tech's incentives. The push for federal regulation follows similar efforts in state legislatures. However, critics like the ACLU and tech advocacy groups raise concerns about potential First Amendment violations and access to vital resources for minors.
Evan Greer, a digital rights advocate, warns that KOSA could hinder youth from accessing sensitive information. In contrast, Maurine Molak, an anti-bullying advocate, shares the tragic story of her son's suicide at 16, emphasizing that KOSA is about holding Big Tech accountable for endangering children's lives. The passage of these bills demonstrates a significant step in addressing the impact of social media on children and holding platforms accountable for their online safety.
The companion bill, sponsored by Senators Ed Markey and Bill Cassidy, strengthens protections for minors' personal information by raising the age of consent for data collection to 17 and banning targeted advertising. Supporters of the legislation highlight its bipartisan support and targeted approach to addressing Big Tech's incentives. The push for federal regulation follows similar efforts in state legislatures. However, critics like the ACLU and tech advocacy groups raise concerns about potential First Amendment violations and access to vital resources for minors.
Evan Greer, a digital rights advocate, warns that KOSA could hinder youth from accessing sensitive information. In contrast, Maurine Molak, an anti-bullying advocate, shares the tragic story of her son's suicide at 16, emphasizing that KOSA is about holding Big Tech accountable for endangering children's lives. The passage of these bills demonstrates a significant step in addressing the impact of social media on children and holding platforms accountable for their online safety.