Urgent Call for Ted Cruz to Pass Kids Online Safety Act NOW

UPDATE: Parents across the nation are urgently calling on Senator Ted Cruz to take decisive action and pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) in light of alarming incidents involving social media companies. As concerns grow over the dangers posed by Big Tech to children, advocates stress that new legislation is critical to protect young users from exploitation and harm.

Parents have been left vulnerable as social media platforms continue to prioritize profits over the safety of children. Anna McAdams, whose daughter Elliston Berry was victimized by deepfake technology at just 14 years old, emphasizes the need for immediate change. Elliston’s innocent photos were manipulated and circulated online, leading to a nine-month struggle for removal, highlighting the urgent need for KOSA to empower parents and protect children.

On January 2016, the tragic story of Maurine Molak emerged when her son David Molak, just 16 years old from San Antonio, Texas, took his life after enduring unrelenting cyberbullying. Maurine’s grief transformed into activism, resulting in the passage of David’s Law, which strengthened protections against bullying in schools. She now stands with other parents to advocate for KOSA, a crucial step to combat the predatory tactics employed by social media companies.

KOSA aims to address the alarming reality that children are increasingly being harmed online, facing issues such as cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to dangerous content. The act would impose a duty of care on social media companies, mandating them to act responsibly in protecting minors and enhancing privacy settings. More than just a legislative measure, KOSA represents a lifeline for parents seeking to shield their children from the dangerous and addictive designs of social media.

The bill has received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the Senate with a vote of 91-3 in July 2024. However, despite this momentum, House leaders have stalled its progress. Reports indicate that some lawmakers may attempt to dilute the bill’s provisions, raising concerns among advocates. Cruz’s leadership is now crucial to prevent any weakening of these vital protections.

Advocates are urging Cruz to leverage his position as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce to push the bill forward.

“We owe it to American families to act now and pass the strongest protections possible for our children,”

McAdams stated, encapsulating the urgency felt by many.

As the government reopens, Rep. Brett Guthrie has indicated his committee will prioritize kids’ online safety. However, advocates are concerned that without Cruz’s influence, the legislation may face unnecessary hurdles.

The time for action is now. The support for KOSA continues to grow, with nearly two-thirds of Senators co-sponsoring the bill, forming a filibuster-proof majority. Advocates believe that the passage of KOSA could save lives, holding social media companies accountable for their role in the safety of young users.

Parents and advocates across the nation are ready to rally behind Cruz to ensure that KOSA gets the vote it deserves. The implications of this legislation extend beyond mere policy; they are about safeguarding the future of children in an increasingly digital world.

As developments unfold, the call to action remains clear: It is imperative to bring KOSA to a vote and provide our children with the safety they desperately need online.