Common Sense Media Supports Newly Revised Federal Children’s Privacy Legislation
In response to the growing support for Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) announced today, James P. Steyer issued the following statement:
"Tech policies passed 25 years ago are no match for Big Tech and the risks its products pose to our kids. COPPA 2.0, the bi-partisan update to the old federal children's privacy law, has gained significant momentum today and may finally bring youth privacy protections into the modern age across the country. We applaud Senators Markey and Cassidy for working together with Chairwoman Cantwell and Ranking Member Cruz to release this revised draft.
"This legislation would extend privacy protections to teenagers--who we know, especially thanks to whistleblowers, are an extremely vulnerable group online but also an extremely lucrative target for Big Tech. If passed, this bill would make it more difficult for social media companies to turn a blind eye to kids on their sites.Companies could no longer commercially prey on a young person's unique vulnerabilities, putting profit before people. And this bill appears to protect the rights of states to pass their own bills that are stronger than what Congress passes as long as those bills do not conflict with what Congress passes.
"Common Sense Media has supported an update to COPPA for years, and we are actively engaged in privacy laws in states across the country. Congress must move swiftly on this bill, along with the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), to give children and families long-overdue safeguards they deserve and make the internet healthier for young users.
"Just like with the KOSA progress announced today, the progress on COPPA being announced today also puts pressure on the House of Representatives to join the Senate in passing a bill to protect kids' privacy online. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has worked very hard on a bi-partisan basis to pass a comprehensive data privacy law. That effort has been stalled. If there is not a path for comprehensive privacy that can pass both houses this year, the House should at least adopt an update to COPPA now. It would make a big difference for the well-being of kids and their families."
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