The U.S. Senate passed legislation aimed at protecting children online, marking the first update since the late 1990s. The bipartisan bill received strong support, despite opposition from civil liberties and LGBTQ organizations who fear it could lead to censorship. The package includes the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act and the Kids Online Safety Act, which would regulate advertising, algorithms, and personal data collection on platforms popular among minors.
President Joe Biden praised the Senate’s vote as a crucial step forward to address the youth mental health crisis exacerbated by social media. The legislation aims to hold tech companies accountable for the impact their platforms have on children. The bill has been driven by testimonies from families affected by tragedies like suicide and eating disorders linked to online content.
The new rules require platform creators to consider mental health when designing products and prohibit the use of personal data for targeted marketing. Platforms must provide privacy dashboards, protect data, and report on harms to children. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the laws, with states having authority to pursue civil actions.
Opponents argue that the legislation is unconstitutional and dangerously broad, allowing the government to censor content under the guise of protecting children. Critics fear it could lead to the removal of essential information and limit freedom of speech. LGBTQ advocates and civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the impact of the legislation on transgender youth and marginalized communities.
Despite the opposition, the bill represents a significant step towards regulating the online space for children and teens, addressing the need to protect vulnerable users from harmful content and practices on digital platforms.
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