Urgent Appeal: Cruz Urged to Pass Kids Online Safety Act NOW

UPDATE: Parents across the United States are urgently calling on Senator Ted Cruz to take immediate action to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a critical piece of legislation aimed at protecting children from the perils of social media. As awareness grows about the dangers posed by social media companies, these parents are demanding that lawmakers step up and safeguard the digital lives of their children.

Reports indicate that social media platforms have long prioritized profits over child safety, leaving families vulnerable to harmful online behaviors. Anna McAdams, mother of victim Elliston Berry from Aledo, Texas, shared a harrowing story of how her daughter was targeted with deepfake technology at just 14 years old. Innocent images from a school event were manipulated and circulated widely, showing Elliston in a vulnerable light. Despite multiple pleas for the removal of these images, social media companies failed to act for nine months, leaving the family feeling helpless.

In response to this alarming trend, Cruz previously helped pass the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the non-consensual sharing of intimate images online. This law mandates that tech companies remove harmful content within 48 hours of being notified by victims. Now, parents like McAdams are urging Cruz to leverage his influence as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce to ensure KOSA becomes law.

The urgency of this matter is highlighted by the tragic story of David Molak, a 16-year-old from San Antonio who succumbed to the relentless torment of cyberbullying. After facing months of harassment and struggling with social media addiction, David took his own life in January 2016. His mother, Maurine Molak, turned her grief into action by advocating for David’s Law, which introduced criminal penalties for harassment and bullying in schools. Molak now joins forces with other survivor parents to push for KOSA, which aims to address the underlying issues of addiction and exploitation that plague social media platforms.

KOSA seeks to impose a duty of care on social media companies, holding them accountable for promoting harmful behaviors such as suicide, substance abuse, and exploitation among minors. The act would enhance privacy settings for children and empower parents with new controls to protect their kids online.

Despite its bipartisan support, with an overwhelming Senate vote of 91-3 in July 2024, the bill faces roadblocks in the House due to intense lobbying by tech companies. Critics fear that any potential House legislation may dilute KOSA’s protections. Cruz is uniquely positioned to navigate these challenges, having successfully pressured the House to vote on the Take It Down Act previously.

Parents are calling on Cruz to act swiftly, emphasizing that the House simply needs to allow a vote to ensure KOSA’s passage. With nearly two-thirds of Senators, a filibuster-proof majority, co-sponsoring the bill, the momentum is there for decisive action.

The stakes could not be higher. Social media addiction, cyberbullying, and predatory online practices continue to threaten the safety and well-being of children across the nation. As parents plead for stronger protections, they see KOSA as an essential step towards a safer online environment.

Next Steps: Advocates are urging Cruz to use his platform to expedite the process. The time to act is NOW, and families are counting on lawmakers to prioritize the safety of their children over corporate interests.

As these pressing developments unfold, the call for KOSA grows louder. The future of countless children hangs in the balance, and immediate action is required to address the urgent threats posed by Big Tech.