The United States Senate has passed a child safety bill by an overwhelming majority of 91-3, aiming to protect children from harmful online content. The legislation would require tech companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm on online platforms frequented by minors and ensure the default settings are the safest possible. The bill has bipartisan support and has been pushed forward by parents of children who have been harmed by online content, urging Congress to act to keep children safe online.
President Joe Biden has encouraged the House to move the legislation forward quickly, emphasizing the urgent need to protect children online. If the bill were to become law, companies would be required to mitigate harm caused to children, including bullying, violence, promotion of suicide, and more. The legislation aims to make social media platforms “safe by design”, prioritizing children’s safety over profits for tech companies.
While some tech companies have voiced support for the bill, others have raised concerns about cybersecurity, censorship, and constitutional risks. Critics, including the ACLU, warn of potential privacy violations and censorship of LGBTQ and health information. However, the bill’s sponsors have worked to address some of these criticisms while still holding tech companies accountable for the content on their platforms.
The legislation also includes updates to child privacy laws, raising the age limit for personal information collection and banning targeted advertising to teenagers. Overall, advocates believe the bill is a step in the right direction to make online spaces safer for children and families.
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