The Senate is on the verge of passing legislation to protect children from harmful online content, a bill that has been driven by bipartisan support and the advocacy of parents who have lost children to online bullying. The legislation, written by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, would require tech companies to take steps to prevent harm on platforms used by minors, such as bullying, suicide promotion, and substance abuse ads. Companies would need to default to safer settings, disable addictive features, and limit communication with children.
The bill also updates child privacy laws, raising the age of protection to 17 and banning targeted advertising to teens. While some critics express concerns about potential limitations on free speech and access to information on LGBTQ+ issues, major LGBTQ+ groups have come out in support of the legislation after revisions were made to address these concerns.
The proposed legislation is seen as the first major effort by Congress in years to hold tech companies more accountable for the harm they cause, and could pave the way for more tech regulation in the future. Companies like Microsoft, X, and Snap are supporting the bill, while Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has not taken a stance.
Advocates for the legislation, including parents of children who have died by suicide due to online harm, are hopeful that the passing of the bill will lead to a safer online environment for children and teenagers. They believe that the legislation has the potential to save lives and prioritize children’s well-being over the interests of big tech companies.
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