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US Senate Approves Legislation Safeguarding Kids from Harmful Online Content | Update on Social Media Platforms


The United States Senate has passed legislation aimed at protecting children from harmful online content, marking a significant step towards holding tech companies accountable for the harm caused to minors. The bill passed 91-3, with overwhelming bipartisan support.

The legislation requires online platforms to take steps to prevent harm, such as online bullying, suicide promotion, substance abuse, and more. It would also mandate platforms to provide safer settings for minors, limit features that can be addictive, and allow children to protect their information. The bill aims for platforms to be “safe by design”.

Supporters of the bill hope that the strong Senate vote will prompt the House of Representatives to act before the end of the congressional session in January. President Joe Biden has urged the House to pass the legislation without delay.

While tech companies like Microsoft and Snap have supported the legislation, others have raised concerns about cybersecurity, censorship, and privacy risks. Critics, including the ACLU, argue that the bill could threaten users’ privacy and freedom of speech, and potentially censor health information for LGBTQ teens.

Despite some opposition, the bill has seen revisions to address concerns and has garnered support from parents who have lost children to online harm. Advocates believe the legislation could save lives and empower children, teens, and parents to take control of their online experiences.

If signed into law, this would be the first major tech regulation in years, setting a precedent for future legislation to strengthen online privacy laws and regulate tech companies more effectively. The bill also includes an update to child privacy laws, raising the age of prohibiting online data collection from users to 17.

The bill’s sponsors, Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn, stress the importance of holding tech companies accountable and ensuring children’s safety online. They aim to strike a balance between protecting minors from harm and preserving freedom of expression on online platforms.

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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com

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