Bill to promote online safety for kids splits Oregon’s Democratic senators

Kids online

The Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act has split Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats. AP File Photo/Sara Cline

A federal bill that advocates say will help shift the burden from families to tech companies for keeping kids safe online has split Oregon’s Democratic senators.

The Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which passed in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday on a 91-3 vote, seeks to shield children from cyberbullying and prevent social media algorithms from feeding content promoting suicide, eating disorders and illicit substances to unwitting minors. If approved by the U.S. House and signed into law, the bill would give the Federal Trade Commission enforcement power.

Help available
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.
Alcohol and drug hotline: 800-923-4357
Teen-to-teen crisis and help: 877-968-8491, or text teen2teen to 839863

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.