US House advances divisive child safety bills amid tech accountability concerns
The US House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced three child safety bills on Thursday in a party-line vote. The Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, led by the App Store Accountability Act and Sammy's Law, were all considered. Critics, however, warned the measures could weaken privacy while failing to hold tech firms accountable.
The KIDS Act aims to protect children online but faced strong opposition from Democrats. They argued the bill's knowledge standard was too weak, letting platforms avoid responsibility for harms. Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) called the preemption language a 'giant gift' to big tech, potentially blocking state lawsuits.
Democrats also pushed for a duty of care requirement, forcing companies to actively reduce risks. Their amendments to strengthen the bill were all rejected. Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) defended the KIDS Act, claiming it would make a real difference in safeguarding young users.
Alongside the KIDS Act, the committee marked up the App Store Accountability Act. This would require app stores to get parental consent for downloads by users under 18. Sammy's Law, another approved measure, mandates that third-party safety apps alert parents when a child faces clear danger.
Digital rights groups criticised the bills, warning they could harm free speech and privacy. Unlike countries such as Australia—which bans under-16s from social media—US states have yet to pass their own minor protection laws. Instead, legal action against companies like Meta remains the primary approach.
The bills now move forward despite concerns over enforcement gaps and preemption risks. If passed, they would set new rules for app stores and online platforms while limiting state-level oversight. Critics continue to push for stronger safeguards against tech industry loopholes.
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