Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal have expressed disappointment over the House of Representatives' refusal to advance the Kids Online Safety Act in the 118th Congress. The bipartisan legislation aims to address safety concerns for children online.

In a joint statement, Blackburn and Blumenthal criticized the House's inaction, citing its potential consequences: "While the House has refused to take up the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, countless children and teens have died from suicide, mental health disorders, predation, bullying, and drug use fostered and fueled by Big Tech."

The senators highlighted a tragic case involving Jesse Harrington, a 15-year-old boy who took his own life after becoming addicted to social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. They attributed this tragedy to what they describe as "the House’s active obstruction" influenced by industry leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg.

Blackburn and Blumenthal accused tech giants of prioritizing profits over child safety: "To be clear: the blockade against safeguards and accountability was about padding Big Tech’s financial bottom line, not principle." Despite extensive bipartisan efforts involving more than 240 organizations over four years, including passing in the Senate with a 91-3 vote, they allege that misinformation spread by Silicon Valley companies like Meta and Google stalled progress in the House.

Acknowledging support from Senate leadership figures like Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell as well as public figures including Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., Blackburn and Blumenthal thanked those who advocated for transparency against tech industry interests.

The senators pledged ongoing commitment to advancing protections for children online: "We will continue the strongly bipartisan fight on the Kids Online Safety Act for the young people and parents across the country that have spoken up and demanded reforms from Big Tech."