The Senate recently approved a legislative package aimed at safeguarding children online, addressing concerns about the impact of social media on minors. The vote, with a majority of 91 to 3, saw bipartisan support, with only three senators voting against the bill.
The Kids Online Safety Act, a key component of the legislation, mandates platforms to implement measures to protect minors. This includes restricting access to personal data, providing parental supervision tools, and limiting features that encourage excessive platform use by children and teens.
Under the bill, platforms must offer options for minors to delete their accounts and personal data, as well as control the time spent on the platform. Additionally, the legislation prohibits targeted advertisements to minors for products like narcotic drugs, tobacco, gambling, and alcohol.
The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act, another crucial part of the package, enhances protections related to the online collection and use of personal information of minors. It prohibits platforms from collecting data from users under 17 without consent and bans targeted advertising based on search history.
The enforcement of these measures will be overseen by the Federal Trade Commission, with state attorneys general empowered to take civil actions for violations within their jurisdictions.
The bill sponsors emphasized that the legislation aims to address concerns raised by parents and young people, highlighting personal experiences shared with lawmakers. The bipartisan support for the bills underscores the widespread recognition of the need to regulate Big Tech's influence on young users.
While the legislation has received praise for its protective measures, critics have raised concerns about potential First Amendment violations and limitations on minors' access to information. Despite these criticisms, advocates like Maurine Molak, founder of David’s Legacy Foundation, have emphasized the importance of the bill in safeguarding children's well-being.
The passage of this legislation marks a significant step towards ensuring a safer online environment for children and teens, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by social media use among minors.
