Statement of Kris Perry regarding today’s cloture vote on the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act

With these new protections in place, we could ensure a safer online environment where our children can learn and connect without fear of harm. This achievement would be a testament to the tireless efforts of advocates, dedicated policymakers, and concerned citizens who have worked together to prioritize the safety of our youngest internet users. Research has been instrumental in this milestone, providing evidence-based insights that underscore the urgent need for stronger online protections for our children.  

The Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act would:

• Mandate stronger, clearer reporting mechanisms so harmful content and harassment can be addressed; 
• Require stronger default privacy settings and data minimization standards;
• Give kids more control over what they see and who they interact with;
• Restrict algorithmically-recommended feeds, “nudges,” and other features that are intended to keep a user engaged as long as possible;  
• Ensure regulators can access the data they need to design additional legislation to protect children and consumers; 
• Provide teenagers the same data protections currently given to children; 
• Ban targeted advertising to children and teens; and
• Hold platforms accountable for reasonable age verification. 

The cloture vote this afternoon was a huge step forward in moving this bill toward passage. We encourage the Senate to vote “yes” when the time comes, and urge House leadership to act swiftly and follow suit. Our children cannot wait.