The United States Senate has passed two significant bills that target how large tech platforms handle minors under 16. The Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act, known as COPPA 2.0, received bipartisan support. The Senate’s 91-3 vote was the first step toward implementing the most substantial restrictions on tech platforms in years.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The bills would safeguard minors and their data from bad actors and big tech platforms. Proponents believe they represent a crucial step toward protecting young users, but opponents argue that the rules may require platforms to collect more user data and would impact all users instead of only minors. The Republican-controlled U.S. House has expressed interest in passing these bills. However, it remains uncertain whether any changes will occur during this period.
Here are the specifics of the two bills:
Kids Online Safety Act requires tech platforms to safeguard minor users from harmful content and give users more control over this content and their data. On the other hand, COPPA 2.0 would expand data protections to users aged 13 to 16, altering the standard for collecting information on users under 13 and potentially increasing liability and costs for platforms. The bills also have implications for the gaming industry, especially concerning user-generated content and programmatic ads. If passed, they would impose more restrictions on platforms that allow users to upload content, engage in microtransactions within the game, or communicate with other users. Additionally, COPPA 2.0 would ban targeted advertising to kids and teens. By navigating these legal changes, gaming platforms will need to be mindful of any potential liabilities linked to data collection from minors.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The Senate’s passage of the Kids Online Safety Act and COPPA 2.0 sets the stage for enhanced regulatory changes for how large tech platforms — including games, manage minors under 16. The tech industry will be subjected to more regulations and restrictions surrounding minors and their data if these bills are ratified by the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislative procedures have broader impacts on the tech industry and its users as companies need to prepare for potential significant legal and operational changes.
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