Urgent Call for Ted Cruz to Support Kids Online Safety Act NOW

UPDATE: Parents nationwide are urging Senator Ted Cruz to take swift action on the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) as alarming reports reveal the escalating dangers of social media for children. This critical legislation is designed to protect kids from harmful online practices and is gaining momentum, but immediate support is needed.

Parents like Anna McAdams, whose daughter Elliston Berry was victimized by deepfake technology at just 14 years old, are calling on Cruz to act. A male classmate manipulated innocent photos of Elliston and eight friends, creating fake nude images that circulated widely online for nine long months. Despite their pleas, social media companies failed to intervene, prioritizing profits over safety.

Now, McAdams is asking Cruz, who previously championed the Take It Down Act, to leverage his influence as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce to push KOSA through. This act is essential for empowering parents and protecting children from the predatory tactics of Big Tech.

The tragic story of Maurine Molak highlights the urgency of KOSA. Her son David Molak, just 16, battled relentless cyberbullying and addiction to social media and online gaming, leading to his heartbreaking decision to take his own life in January 2016. In the wake of her loss, Molak successfully advocated for David’s Law, which introduced penalties for online bullying in Texas schools. Now, she is uniting with fellow parents to support KOSA, aimed at curbing the addictive practices of social media companies that ensnare children.

Big Tech’s negligence is evident. Since 2019, numerous congressional hearings and whistleblower reports have shown that firms are aware of the detrimental effects of their algorithms on youth. Yet, they continue to ignore calls for accountability. KOSA seeks to impose a duty of care on these companies, targeting issues like suicide promotion, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation of minors. It would also enhance privacy settings and provide parents with greater control over their children’s online experiences.

Despite overwhelming bipartisan support, with KOSA passing the Senate in July 2024 by an overwhelming 91-3 vote, the House has stalled due to a multimillion-dollar lobbying effort by Big Tech. Representative Brett Guthrie, chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has indicated potential movement on child safety legislation, but concerns remain that the House may attempt to dilute KOSA’s provisions.

Cruz’s leadership is pivotal. He successfully pressured the House for a vote on the Take It Down Act, and a similar approach is necessary for KOSA. With nearly two-thirds of Senators backing KOSA, including numerous co-sponsors from both parties, the time for action is NOW.

Parents and advocates are imploring Cruz to ensure that a robust version of KOSA receives a vote. The safety of countless children hangs in the balance, and American families deserve the strongest protections possible against the dangers of social media.

As the clock ticks, it is crucial for Cruz to act decisively. Together, these families are determined to safeguard their children and reshape the online landscape for future generations. The message is clear: KOSA must pass, and it must happen without delay.