Memphis Standard

On September 12, 2024, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced new conservative endorsements for the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act. 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. This bill marks the first major tech industry reform since 1998 and passed the Senate with a significant majority of 91 votes in favor.

The Kids Online Safety Act addresses various online threats faced by children, including sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, and harmful content promotion. A coalition of conservative stakeholders is urging the House of Representatives to expedite the passage of this legislation before year-end.

Kellyanne Conway emphasized that social media can be both beneficial and dangerous: “Social media can be a force for good, but also lurking there are traffickers, drug dealers and other bad actors.” She commended Senator Blackburn's dedication to KOSA.

Mercedes Schlapp criticized Big Tech’s lack of action: “Big Tech must be held accountable for refusing to protect children from online harms,” she stated. Morgan Ortagus highlighted parental gratitude: “As a mother, I am so grateful to Senator Blackburn for standing up for our children.”

Mike Huckabee underscored the bipartisan nature of KOSA: “Protecting America’s children is not a political issue but a public safety concern.” Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti praised Blackburn's prioritization of kids' online safety.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch called for updated federal rules: "It is past time the federal government updated the rules to help parents protect their children." Harmeet Dhillon supported measures against Big Tech’s excesses while maintaining First Amendment protections.

Josh Hammer advocated congressional regulation over Big Tech exploitation: "It’s time Congress stepped in to regulate Big Tech for the sake of American families." Professor John Yoo argued that KOSA falls within First Amendment bounds due to its narrowly tailored means addressing child protection.

Pastor Paula White-Cain linked KOSA support with pro-life values: "This bill stands against those who seek to profit from the vulnerability of our children."

Richard Grenell labeled KOSA as pro-family and pro-America. Newt Gingrich urged Senate approval as vital for child protection. Sebastian Gorka noted strong legislative support.

Various organizations echoed these sentiments. The Heritage Foundation celebrated Senate approval as a milestone after nearly three decades without significant online child protection laws. Parents Defending Education Action endorsed KOSA’s empowerment of parents.

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation hailed Senate passage as monumental. The Ethics and Public Policy Center emphasized parental control over children's online experiences.

Michael Toscano from The Institute for Family Studies pointed out that KOSA imposes a 'duty of care' on Big Tech companies regarding platform design affecting children. Wired Human CEO Jason Frost described KOSA as reasonable child protection legislation targeting harmful social media design mechanisms.

Jon Schweppe from American Principles Project argued that tech platforms should bear responsibility alongside parents in protecting minors online. Joel Thayer from Digital Progress Institute appreciated Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal's leadership in safeguarding kids’ mental health through targeted approaches.

Enough is Enough expressed gratitude towards bipartisan sponsors supporting critical bills like KOSA and COPPA 2.0 aimed at making the internet safer for children and families.

Parents Television and Media Council Vice President Melissa Henson commended Senate urgency in holding tech platforms accountable.

Tim Estes from Angel AI highlighted ongoing negligence by tech companies designing products addictive yet unsafe for kids.

Callista Gingrich urged House action following Senate approval emphasizing Congressional duty towards child protection.