The Hidden Dangers: How Big Tech is Failing Our Kids

Big Tech companies have been putting profits ahead of children's safety for years. They have been exposing kids to harmful content, such as bullying, drugs, and sexual exploitation. Why? Because making their platforms safer would eat into their profits. This is a big problem. It's not just about Meta, the company behind Instagram. In 2019, Instagram actually suggested that potential child predators connect with minors. This is shocking, but it's true. Even after this was exposed, Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, did not do enough to fix the problem. Six years later, Meta's platforms are still dangerous for kids. Meta is not the only one. TikTok, owned by a Chinese company, has pushed content that glorifies suicide to teenagers. It has also developed algorithms that can harm their mental health. On Discord, pedophiles have targeted minors. Drug dealers have used platforms like YouTube and Telegram to sell dangerous drugs to teenagers. The list of dangers is long. Parents across the country have been speaking out about these issues. They have been sharing stories of how their children have been harmed online. But Big Tech CEOs have been making excuses. They have been saying that these tragedies are happening every day, but they are not doing enough to stop them. This is why two senators, Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, introduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This law would make Big Tech companies more accountable. It would give parents tools and safeguards to protect their children online. The law would create a duty of care for online platforms. This means that platforms would have to prevent threats to minors, such as sexual abuse, drugs, and the promotion of suicide and eating disorders. KOSA has a lot of support. It passed through the Senate with a vote of 91-3. It has also been endorsed by many stakeholders, including child safety advocates, pediatricians, and tech companies like X, Microsoft, Snap, and Apple. This shows that it's time for Congress to take action to protect children online. The senators are now working with the House of Representatives to make sure this law reaches the president's desk. If it does, the president will have a big opportunity to make a difference. He can secure a brighter future for children across the country. This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.