Hoosier State Today

Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) voted for the Kids Online Safety Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting children online and holding social media companies accountable. The legislation passed the Senate with a 91-3 vote and now proceeds to the House of Representatives.

Young joined Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) as an original cosponsor of the legislation.

"Hoosier parents are concerned about protecting their children online and want social media companies to do more to safeguard their platforms. Our bipartisan bill would require these companies to take new measures to protect children from harmful content and empower parents with additional tools to safeguard their children and protect their personal information. I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this important legislation so that it can be signed into law," said Senator Young.

The Kids Online Safety Act provides young people and parents with tools, safeguards, and transparency needed to protect against online harms. The bill mandates social media platforms prioritize children's well-being, ensuring a safe environment by default. The legislation also requires independent audits by experts and academic researchers to verify that social media platforms are taking meaningful steps to address risks to kids.

The Kids Online Safety Act is supported by numerous advocacy and technology groups, including Common Sense Media, American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Compass, Eating Disorders Coalition, Fairplay, Mental Health America, and Digital Progress Institute.