The US Senate recently passed a bill sponsored by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy that aims to restrict how social media platforms can target youth users. The legislation is intended to protect young users from harmful content and targeted advertising on social media.
Under the bill, social media companies would be required to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from users under the age of 16. The legislation also prohibits platforms from using algorithms to amplify harmful content or target young users with ads for tobacco, alcohol, and weight loss products.
Senator Cassidy, who has been a vocal critic of social media companies, believes that the bill is necessary to protect children from negative influences online. He has argued that social media algorithms can push harmful content to young users, leading to issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction.
The bill has received bipartisan support in the Senate, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressing concern about the impact of social media on young users. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
If the bill is ultimately signed into law, it would represent a significant change in how social media platforms are able to interact with young users. Supporters of the legislation believe that it is a necessary step to protect children from harmful content and targeted advertising online.
Overall, the passage of this bill by the US Senate represents a significant victory for Senator Cassidy and advocates for child protection online. It remains to be seen how the House of Representatives will respond to the legislation and whether it will ultimately become law.
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