House unveils bipartisan kids online safety deal
Key takeaways
- The previous version of the KIDS package advanced out of committee in a 28-24 vote in March.
- Punchbowl first reported the new deal Monday morning.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) said they worked across the aisle for many months, and found common ground on polices to significantly improve the digital environment for kids.
“Through empowering parents, establishing safety as a default, strengthening privacy for children and teens, increasing transparency around data brokers, and holding Big Tech accountable, the KIDS Act delivers the 21st century protections parents have demanded and our kids deserve, the lawmakers wrote in a statement.
The KIDS (Kids Internet and Digital Safety) Act includes portions from the landmark Kids Online Safety Act, dubbed KOSA, which aims to hold social media companies accountable for the alleged harms their platforms cause for minors and young kids.