Senate to vote on safety

The U.S. Senate is poised to pass landmark legislation aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content, marking a significant federal effort to hold tech companies accountable. The bipartisan bill, backed by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn, seeks to enforce a 'duty of care' on social media platforms, requiring them to implement safeguards against bullying, violence, and other dangers. If enacted, the legislation would mandate that companies provide minors with options to enhance their privacy, disable addictive features, and limit user interactions. The Senate's strong support, demonstrated by an 86-1 test vote, aims to encourage action in the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed willingness to consider the bill. Critics, however, warn that the bill's broad scope could lead to overreach and stifle free speech. President Biden has urged Congress to expedite the passage of these bills to enhance children's safety online.