US Senators propose Kids Online Safety Act

After months of hearing from BigTech companies, Senator. Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn have introduced The Kids Online Safety Act with an aim to make tech platforms implement new controls to protect children online. 

The proposed bill will be applicable to any app or online service targeted at children 16 years or younger. Some of the provisions of the bill include, platforms to prevent promotion of harmful behaviour such as suicide and self harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc; provide children or their parents the ability to  opt out of algorithmic recommendations;  prevent third parties from viewing a minor’s data; limit time spent by minors online; ensure that controls are turned on by default. Further the bill proposes that platforms will have to provide  disclosures on their policies and advertising systems and also provide updates on their impact on children