Sen. Blumenthal Criticizes Big Tech's Role in Child Exploitation

The Need for Action on Kids Online Safety

• 📌 The Kids Online Safety Act passed the Senate with overwhelming support (91-3) but was not brought to a vote in the House in the last session.
• 🎯 In the current session, over 60 senators co-sponsor the Kids Online Safety Act, highlighting continued bipartisan support for federal legislation.
• 🗣️ Senator Blumenthal urges colleagues to advocate for a House vote on the Kids Online Safety Act, emphasizing the need for legislative action over mere discussion.

Big Tech's Obstruction and Impact

• ⚖️ Big tech is accused of using its influence, employing lawyers and lobbyists to hinder the passage of protective legislation.
• 💬 The common thread in stories of child exploitation is the failure of big tech platforms to protect children, allowing predators worldwide to exploit them.
• 🚫 Platforms like Meta are enabling predators to use their services, turning children into prey for exploiters, sometimes operating from outside the U.S.

Holding Platforms Accountable

• 🤝 Witnesses are encouraged to directly address Speaker Johnson and influence the House of Representatives to pass protective legislation.
• 📈 Successful, focused, and quickly passed bills like the REPORT Act and the TAKE IT DOWN Act have shown progress by holding companies accountable.
• ⚠️ The increase in reported child sex trafficking and online enticement is linked to the passage of these accountability acts, not necessarily an increase in prevalence.

Weakening Protections and Duty of Care

• 📜 The House has weakened the Kids Online Safety Act, specifically by decimating the duty of care that holds platforms accountable.
• 🚨 This weakened duty of care prevents effective measures against abuses and fails to hold platforms responsible when they know or should know about harms.
• 💔 Weakening these protections is a disservice to victims and their families, and advocates are urged to insist on real protections for kids in any legislation.