Washington – The House is expected to vote this week on a revised version of the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS). The bipartisan package includes a slate of 14 child online safety measures.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association shares lawmakers’ goal of protecting young internet users and appreciates the many amendments made to the previous text, including leaving out the problematic duty of care and other clarifying fixes that elevate privacy and safety protections for children. Several outstanding concerns remain that invite constitutionality questions and other legal issues due to a vague and inconsistent knowledge standard that may limit access to speech and internet communities. We also have substantial concerns with the lack of adequate preemption, which raises compliance costs and introduces barriers, particularly for startups and newer digital services seeking to enter the marketplace.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Vice President for U.S. Policy Brian McMillan:
“Congressional efforts to protect children and families are a shared goal that is strengthened through bipartisan action. Additional work remains to resolve constitutional concerns and address a lack of uniformity among conflicting state standards to ensure a clear, workable framework that protects children online.”
