WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on House Republicans’ weakened child online safety legislation:

“Children and teenagers deserve safe online spaces that are free from manipulation and harm.  Last Congress, I was proud to co-lead bipartisan KOSA and COPPA 2.0 bills in the House. I was encouraged by the Senate’s reintroduction of the strong bipartisan versions of these bills this year as well. Unfortunately, House Republicans are offering weak, ineffectual versions of COPPA 2.0 and KOSA that would diminish protections for children online.

“KOSA is intended to give young people and parents meaningful content-neutral tools and transparency to keep young people safe online, while holding Big Tech accountable for addictive design features and predatory algorithms that push harmful and inappropriate content to our kids. The House version fails to do either. COPPA 2.0 should modernize and strengthen privacy protections for kids and teens in the digital age and not allow Big Tech companies and online predators to exploit America’s children. The House version of COPPA 2.0 is also riddled with loopholes that fail to protect kids and allow tech companies to avoid accountability.

“House Republicans need to strengthen the bills to protect kids in the modern age and to gain bipartisan support. I encourage House Republicans to spend more time listening to families who support a strong federal law and less time meeting with Big Tech executives who value profits over kids' best interests.”