Time to take on Big Tech for targeting children in unhealthy ways

More than ever before, children are constantly connected through devices, and their reality is a mix of virtual and real experiences. While technological advances can unlock limitless possibilities for users of all ages and make the world more connected, the sad reality is that some of America’s youngest users are inundated with harmful online behavior, including sexual exploitation, illegal drug sales, predatory behavior and harassment, compulsive and addictive designs, and even promotion of dangerous materials leading to suicide attempts and death. Often, parents are unaware that their child is at increased risk.

Rapid technological change has made it difficult for parents to monitor their children’s online activities. In addition, existing parenting tools offered across various platforms are confusing, difficult to navigate, and easy to circumvent.

We know from whistleblower testimony that Big Tech is acutely aware of these threats. Their leaked internal studies show a correlation between extensive social media exposure among young people and increases in poor body image, low self-esteem, increased isolation, and other negative social interactions like bullying. We also know that in order to increase revenue, many of Big Tech’s features are specifically designed to keep users online for longer and longer periods of time, regardless of the user’s age. Big Tech has failed to voluntarily mitigate these risks, improve transparency, empower parents, or adequately protect its youngest users.

We have watched far too many children succumb to tragedy after being exposed to the harms of social media. We have comforted parents who wondered why they weren’t warned of the potential danger before it was too late. These parents are begging Congress to take action so other families won’t have to suffer unimaginable loss. Big Tech can no longer be trusted to do the right thing on its own. The industry must be forced to take action.

Enough is enough! The time is now. We must hold these bad actors accountable and put safeguards in place to limit the risks kids face online. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which passed the House Energy & Commerce Committee this week and whose companion bill has already passed the Senate, accomplishes this moral imperative while preserving protections for free speech. In addition to broad, bipartisan support in both chambers, KOSA has received support from a powerful coalition of stakeholders and parent advocates who are urging Congress to quickly pass this priority legislation and the President to sign it. With KOSA, Big Tech will finally be held accountable for targeting children and teens, and our young users and parents will be empowered with easy-to-navigate tools they can use to stay safer online.

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Few things happen in Washington that have overwhelming support from all sides of the political spectrum, but we can all agree that our children are our most valuable resource and our greatest hope for our future. We cannot let them slip through the cracks while they are monetized for corporate profit and exposed to an endless barrage of danger. They deserve a healthy childhood, and parents deserve a fair shake as they work to protect their children. Failing to advance this priority is simply not an option. The stakes are far too high.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Republican, represents Florida’s 12th District and chairs the House Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee. Kara Frederick is director of the Heritage Foundation Tech Policy Center.