Senate to Review New Laws to Protect Kids and Teens Online
New Legislation Aims to Shield Children from Harmful Online Content and Update Privacy Rules
This week, the Senate is set to discuss new laws aimed at safeguarding children from harmful online content, marking a significant potential change in tech regulations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to introduce the bipartisan bill on Tuesday, with hopes of passing it before the August recess. Despite earlier delays, the bill has garnered strong support from numerous senators and families affected by online bullying and harm.
Schumer believes the bill can make a lifesaving difference, reflecting the concerns of parents who urge social media and tech companies to take greater responsibility in preventing suicides and other traumas among children and teens who spend a lot of time online.
Details of the Online Safety Bill
The online safety bill, together with a separate bill to update child online privacy laws, is the first major tech regulation effort in years. Both political parties agree that big tech companies need more oversight, but they have struggled to find common ground on how to implement it. Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation targeting TikTok, but this new bill aims to address broader issues affecting multiple companies. The bill's future in the House is uncertain, but strong Senate support could pressure House Speaker Mike Johnson to act before the November election or the session's end in January.
Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) have worked with advocacy groups for years to create this compromise bill. It aims to hold companies responsible for the content children encounter online while ensuring that free speech is not overly restricted.
The bill would establish a "duty of care," requiring companies to take steps to prevent harm on platforms used by minors. This includes stopping bullying, violence, suicide promotion, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and ads for illegal products like drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
Platform Responsibilities and Safeguards
To achieve this, social media platforms must offer options to protect minors' information, disable addictive features, and allow opting out of personalized algorithms. They must also limit communication with minors and features that encourage prolonged use, such as autoplay and platform rewards. Platforms would need to default to the safest settings for accounts likely belonging to minors, aiming to make them "safe by design."
Blumenthal and Blackburn have worked closely with parents of children who have suffered from cyberbullying and other online harms. Schumer has also met with these families, expressing his commitment to the cause. "I've met with families who have endured the unimaginable loss of a child," Schumer said. "Their advocacy lights the way for others."
Support and Opposition
Some tech companies, like Microsoft, X (formerly Twitter), and Snap, support the bill. Critics argue it could violate the First Amendment and limit access to important information on LGBTQ issues and reproductive rights. However, revisions have addressed many of these concerns, gaining support from major LGBTQ groups.
Additional Privacy Measures
The Senate will also consider a bipartisan online privacy bill by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.). This bill proposes raising the age for protecting personal information from under 13 to under 17, banning targeted ads to minors, and allowing teens or their guardians to delete personal information.
Global Context and Comparisons
Globally, other countries are also taking steps to protect children online. The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes specific provisions for children's data, and the UK has implemented the Age Appropriate Design Code, which sets standards for online services likely to be accessed by children. These international efforts highlight a growing recognition of the need for stronger protections for young internet users.
The Role of Parents and Educators
Parents and educators play a crucial role in safeguarding children online. Educating children about safe internet practices, monitoring their online activities, and using parental control tools can help mitigate risks. Schools can also provide digital literacy programs to teach students about the potential dangers of the internet and how to navigate it safely.
Future Implications
As the Senate prepares to debate these bills, they represent a significant effort to update regulations for the digital age and better protect children and teens online. The outcomes of these discussions could set a precedent for future tech regulations and influence how other countries approach online safety for minors. If successful, these laws could lead to a safer and more responsible digital environment for young users, addressing long-standing issues and promoting a healthier online experience for all.
