Congress is debating whether children should have restricted access to social media platforms, following the introduction of the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act by a bipartisan group of senators. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit children under 13 years old from creating accounts or interacting with other users on social media, while still allowing them to view content without an account.
Under the proposed legislation, children under 18 would require parental consent before creating new social media accounts. Senators from both parties argue that the bill aims to safeguard young users from the potential harms of social media.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) emphasized the need for parental guidance in teaching children how to use social media responsibly and intentionally for good. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) noted that while the legislation would still permit children to use social media, it would return the platforms to a simpler version where users shared personal moments with friends, without being excessively influenced by algorithms designed to keep them engaged.
Supporters of the legislation argue that social media sites collect user data and use algorithms to maintain engagement, particularly among young users. If passed, the legislation would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state Attorney Generals’ offices.
While it remains uncertain whether the proposal will pass both chambers of Congress, this latest development reflects an ongoing trend of increased scrutiny of social media and technology companies by lawmakers.
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