More than ever before, children are constantly connected through devices, and their reality is a blend of virtual and real-world experiences. While technological advances can unlock limitless potential for users of all ages and help the world become more connected, the sad reality is that some of America’s youngest users have been inundated by harmful conduct online, including sexual exploitation, illicit drug sales, predatory behavior and harassment, compulsive and addictive designs, and even promotion of dangerous materials that lead to suicide attempts and death. Often, parents don’t know their child is at increased risk.
We’ve seen far too many children succumb to tragedy after being exposed to the harm of social media. We’ve consoled parents who are left wondering why they were not alerted to the potential danger before it was too late. These parents are pleading with Congress to take action so that other families do not suffer unfathomable loss. Big Tech can no longer be trusted to do the right thing on its own. The industry must be forced to act.
Enough is enough! The time is now. We must hold these bad actors accountable and put safeguards in place to mitigate the risks kids face online. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which passed out of the House Energy & Commerce Committee this week and whose companion bill has already cleared the Senate, achieves this moral imperative while preserving free speech protections. In addition to widespread, bipartisan support in both chambers, KOSA has garnered support from a strong coalition of stakeholders and parent advocates imploring Congress to pass this priority bill swiftly and for the president to sign it into law. With KOSA, Big Tech will finally be held accountable for targeting children and teens, and our young users and parents will be empowered with easy-to-navigate tools they can use to better stay safe online.
Very few things happen in Washington that garner overwhelming support from all parts of the political spectrum, but we can all agree that our children are our most valuable resource and the greatest hope for our future. We can’t keep letting them fall through the cracks while they are monetized for corporate profit and exposed to a never-ending deluge of danger. They deserve a healthy childhood, and parents deserve a fighting chance as they work to protect their kids. Failure to advance this priority is simply not an option. The stakes are far too high.
By Kara Frederick/Courtesy Heritage Foundation
