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Senators Propose Kids Off Social Media Act, COPPA 2.0 to Shield Youth Online

May 3, 2024, 03:39 PM

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, including Ted Cruz, Brian Schatz, Katie Britt, Chris Murphy, and Bill Cassidy, have introduced legislation aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of social media. The proposed measures include prohibiting Big Tech companies from targeting content at teens under 17, preventing children under 13 from accessing social media sites, and requiring schools to block harmful content. This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the COPPA 2.0 amendment to the FAA bill, to enhance online safety and privacy for children and teens. The legislation, known as the Kids Off Social Media Act, comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health, highlighted by reports of children being exposed to toxic and obscene material online and campaigns like the Smartphone Free Childhood.