Memphis Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has announced growing conservative support for the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, which she co-authored with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The legislation aims to provide young people and parents with tools, safeguards, and transparency to protect against online harms. Recently passed by the Senate with 91 votes in favor, this bill marks the first major reform to the tech industry since 1998.

The bill is supported by a coalition of conservative stakeholders, including organizations such as the America First Policy Institute, Institute for Family Studies, Ethics and Public Policy Center, American Principles Project, Heritage Foundation, Heritage Action, Concerned Women for America LAC, and Parents Defending Education Action.

Richard Grenell stated: “The Kids Online Safety Act is pro-family and pro-America. It will help protect children from being exploited online by drug cartels, sex predators, and human traffickers. Big tech has abused conservatives for far too long. I know that big tech will continue spending millions to defeat this legislation, but my good friend [Senator] Marsha Blackburn will not back down.”

Newt Gingrich added: “The Senate should pass the Kids Online Safety Act. It is a vital step toward protecting children.”

Sebastian Gorka remarked: “I can’t remember the last time there was 70 plus co-sponsors for a bill in the Senate… God bless Senator Marsha Blackburn. Please follow her right now and express your support for this crucial piece of legislation.”

The America First Policy Institute congratulated the Senate on passing the act: “Congrats to the U.S. Senate for passing the Kids Online Safety Act, which empowers parents to make better-informed decisions about their children’s online presence. It’s well past time to stand up for our children from predators, toxic content, exploitation, and more.”

Kara Frederick of The Heritage Foundation expressed gratitude: “Normally I am just an analyst here but today I am a grateful mom. The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act by a vote of 91-3. If it is successful in the House, this would be the first concrete piece of legislation aimed at protecting kids online in almost THREE DECADES."

Ryan Walker from Heritage Action noted: “It’s no secret that big tech companies prey on children’s personal data to keep them addicted to scrolling... Protecting children and young adults from those threats is one of the biggest issues of our time—Heritage Action applauds Sen. Blackburn for taking up the mantle."

Penny Nance from Concerned Women for America commented: "Since these companies have yet to address this issue themselves, Congress needs to act... KOSA is an important first step towards making these platforms safer for minors."

Nicki Neily of Parents Defending Education Action said: “The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act will help protect minors and empower parents to have more control over what their children are doing online.”

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation tweeted: "#KOSA passing in the Senate is a monumental win for the safety of children online—it is the first time in 25 years that a federal bill on online child protection has been this close to passing!"

Clare Morell from Ethics and Public Policy Center emphasized: "Parents have been left on their own... KOSA offers a much-needed solution to ensure parents have the ability to protect their kids online."

Michael Toscano from The Institute for Family Studies highlighted: "Young Americans are suffering from a profound mental health crisis caused by addiction to social media... The Kids Online Safety Act gives parents and young Americans more effective tools..."

Jason Frost from Wired Human declared: "The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) makes it clear to Big Tech that ‘Childhood is Not for Sale.’"

Jon Schweppe of American Principles Project argued against leaving responsibility solely with parents: "Screens are everywhere... Tech platforms specifically should bear responsibility..."

Joel Thayer from Digital Progress Institute appreciated bipartisan efforts: "KOSA’s targeted bipartisan approach ensures that parents can protect their kids online..."

Enough Is Enough commended bipartisan sponsors while noting ongoing efforts required: "Each bill puts a stake in the ground that says ‘Enough Is Enough®!’"

Melissa Henson from Parents Television and Media Council praised Senate actions: "We commend the Senate for recognizing real harms..."

Tim Estes from Angel AI urged swift action: "...KOSA represents beginning steps towards defending our kids..."

Callista Gingrich encouraged further legislative action by stating: "Today, Senate passed KOSA... House should do same when they return in September."

Gregg Hunter from Christian Camp and Conference Association stressed ongoing vigilance needed year-round despite camps' efforts.