US Senate passes two social media – child safety bills

The US Senate has passed two bills that would force social media platforms to do more to protect children from online harm in an overwhelming show of bipartisan support.

Only three senators dissented when votes were taken for the Kids Online Safety Act (Kosa) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (Coppa 2.0) yesterday, news agencies reported.

The Kosa bill imposes a “duty of care” on online platforms by requiring special provisions to shield minors from harmful content. This includes requiring platforms to set as default most protective settings for minors.

Coppa 2.0, meanwhile, will ban targeted advertising to minors and data collection without their consent.

It will make social media companies give parents and children under 17 the option to erase their personal information from online platforms.

The bills were crafted in consultation with parents of teens who had been bullied or sexually exploited. Other online harms against children include the promotion of suicide and eating disorders, AFP reported.

Although there is opposition by free speech groups over censorship, the bills’ smooth passage through the Senate still marks the first time upper House lawmakers have united strongly to protect children online.

The legislation, which was introduced in the Senate, will still have to go through the House of Representatives before it can be signed into law by the president. The Republican-controlled lower House is currently on recess until September.

The Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year held a special inquiry on online child sexual exploitation, where Meta CEP Mark Zuckerberg publicly apologised to families whose children fell victim to online harm on social media.

The two bills are reportedly supported by Microsoft, X and Snap, which owns Snapchat. Meanwhile, Meta is said to have some reservations.