Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) have co-sponsored the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act. The Kids Online Safety Act would provide kids and parents with better tools to protect themselves online, hold Big Tech accountable for harms to kids and provide transparency into black box algorithms. The bill is led by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee).
“This strong, sensible bill makes great strides in protecting America’s greatest asset, our children,” said Crapo. “Big tech companies have so far failed to protect children online, despite having the vast resources to do so. This legislation empowers parents by providing the tools to protect their kids and gives families more options for managing their children’s online activities.”
“Social media is highly influential on our kids’ mental and physical well-being, often leaving parents feeling powerless to push back against these forces,” said Risch. “The Kids Online Safety Act will give parents the tools to protect their kids and require big tech to prioritize the safety of America’s youth.”
“This overwhelming bipartisan support for the Kids Online Safety Act–62 total co-sponsors, Democrats and Republicans–reflects the powerful voices of young people and parents who want Congress to act,” said Blumenthal and Blackburn. “The recent watershed hearing with Big Tech CEOs showcased the urgent need for reform. With new changes to strengthen the bill and growing support, we should seize this moment to take action. We must listen to the kids, parents, experts, and advocates, and finally hold Big Tech accountable by passing the Kids Online Safety Act into law.”
The Kids Online Safety Act is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and hundreds of advocacy groups and experts who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. The growing group of bill supporters includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Nintendo of America, Christian Camp and Conference Association, Microsoft, The Foundation United, Parents for Safe Online Spaces (ParentsSOS), Snap, Street Grace and X.
In close coordination with stakeholders and congressional colleagues, several changes were made to strengthen the legislation and clarify the language. The updated bill text can be found here. A new landing page for the legislation, with the latest information about the bill and helpful resources, can be found here and here.