The US Senate has approved legislation aimed at enhancing online safety for children

Yesterday, the US Senate passed both the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, which could reshape online services if the House of Representatives also approves them.

These legislative measures, targeting the safety of young internet users, received overwhelming bipartisan support with a 91-3 vote and specifically impact gaming platforms.

The Kids Online Safety Act mandates tech companies to implement stringent rules to safeguard children from cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and other online dangers. It further requires users to verify their age to ensure minors do not access age-inappropriate content.

On the other hand, the revised Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, informally known as COPPA 2.0, seeks to enhance the original 1998 COPPA. It would prohibit targeted ads to minors and restrict the collection of their data without consent. Additionally, it empowers parents and children to request the deletion of the minors' personal data from social networks.

These proposals represent the most substantial online child protection initiatives in two decades.

Both KOSA and COPPA 2.0 await consideration by the House, but the process will be delayed until after the House reconvenes from its August break on September 9.