WASHINGTON — This week, the Senate is set to consider a major bill aimed at protecting children from the dangers of the internet, which could be a milestone in tech regulation, the first of its kind in decades.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Tuesday his intention to introduce the bipartisan measure, aiming to pass it before the next August recess.
Despite overwhelming support from more than two-thirds of the Senate and vocal support from families affected by online harm, the bill has been delayed for several months.
Addressing his Senate colleagues, Schumer expressed a deep personal connection to the legislation, spurred by encounters with parents whose children have faced tragic consequences from online experiences, including encounters with predators or data breaches.
Parent advocates say digital platforms need to strengthen protections to address the psychological impact on the vast numbers of children and teens who use their services extensively.
“Social networks have created connections for hundreds of millions of people over the years,” Schumer noted. “However, these platforms also bring significant health challenges that accompany these benefits. We cannot ignore these risks. It is critical that we urgently address this issue.”
The proposed Online Safety Act, along with another initiative to overhaul children’s digital privacy laws, represents the first successful attempt at comprehensive technology regulation in recent years.
While bipartisan agreement on the need for stronger regulation of major tech entities is longstanding, reaching consensus on enforcement has been difficult. Earlier this year, Congress enacted a law targeting TikTok, a Chinese-owned platform, requiring it to be sold or banned, though that action was narrowly targeted.
The bill’s future in the House remains uncertain. However, if it makes it through the Senate with significant bipartisan support, supporters are optimistic that House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, will support it, aiming for a resolution before the November election or the next legislative recess.
