WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has passed legislation aimed at protecting children online in a rare show of bipartisan support. The package of two bills, the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act and the Kids Online Safety Act, would regulate platforms popular among minors in terms of advertising, algorithms, and personal data collection. The bills were motivated by tragedies, including children who struggled with mental health issues and died by suicide. The Senate vote was 91-3, with the dissenting votes coming from three Republican senators.
The legislation, if passed by the House, would require platforms to follow new rules and create a duty of care towards children using their services. President Joe Biden praised the Senate vote, noting the impact of social media and online platforms on youth mental health. The bills have garnered support from parents and groups advocating for children’s safety online.
However, opponents, including civil liberties and LGBTQ organizations, criticize the bills as unconstitutional and dangerous. They argue that the provisions for preventing and mitigating harms like anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors could lead to censorship of important information. Some teens also expressed concerns about the impact of the legislation, particularly on LGBTQ youth and access to vital information.
The legislation, if enacted, would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and could lead to changes in how tech companies interact with minors online. Supporters believe the bills are necessary to protect children in the digital age, while opponents warn of potential negative consequences for free speech and access to information.
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