State AG Coalition Criticizes House Child Online Safety Bill for Inadequate Protections

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State Attorneys General Express Concerns Over Kids Online Safety Act

A group of 40 state attorneys general from both parties has expressed concerns that the House’s version of the Kids Online Safety Act does not adequately protect minors from online harm. The bipartisan coalition sent a letter criticizing the bill for omitting key provisions included in the Senate version, such as a duty of care that would require platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to minors.

Concerns Over Addictive Social Media Platforms

The state attorneys general argue that many social media platforms are designed to be addictive, particularly for underage users, and generate significant profits by collecting and monetizing minors’ personal data through targeted advertising. This, they claim, has contributed to a nationwide youth mental health crisis.

“The state attorneys general’s concerns echo those raised in the lawsuit, which highlights the need for stronger protections for minors online.”

Need for Robust Safeguards

The letter from the state attorneys general emphasizes the importance of implementing robust safeguards to prevent online harm, including measures to protect minors’ personal data and prevent the exploitation of children. The coalition is urging lawmakers to strengthen the bill to address these concerns and ensure that social media platforms are held accountable for their role in protecting minors online.

Background on the Kids Online Safety Act

The Kids Online Safety Act aims to regulate social media platforms and protect minors from online harm. However, the state attorneys general’s criticism suggests that the current version of the bill falls short of achieving this goal. As lawmakers consider the bill, they will need to weigh the concerns of the state attorneys general and determine whether to strengthen the legislation to better protect minors online.

Broader Context

The issue of online safety for minors has gained significant attention in recent years, with many experts warning of the risks associated with social media use among children. The state attorneys general’s letter highlights the need for lawmakers to take a proactive approach to addressing these concerns and ensuring that social media platforms are held accountable for their role in protecting minors online.