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

UPDATE: Parents across the nation are urgently calling on Senator Ted Cruz to champion the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), following alarming revelations about the dangers posed by social media to children. This plea comes just as lawmakers prepare to address online safety measures amid a rising tide of cyberbullying, addiction, and exploitation.

Mothers of children victimized by social media are increasingly aware that current laws are inadequate to protect their children from the predatory practices of Big Tech. Anna McAdams, whose daughter Elliston Berry was a victim of deepfake technology at just 14, is among those advocating for urgent legislative action. “We have been ignored while profits took precedence over our children’s safety,” McAdams stated, reflecting the frustration of countless parents.

Elliston was targeted when a male classmate manipulated innocent photos using AI, resulting in fake nude images that circulated widely online. Despite cries for help, major platforms took no action for an excruciating nine months, leaving her and her family feeling powerless. McAdams collaborated with Cruz to draft the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the targeting of individuals through deepfake technology, ensuring swift action from tech companies to remove harmful content.

Now, with the introduction of KOSA, parents are demanding that Cruz leverage his position as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce to push this critical legislation forward. KOSA aims to hold social media giants accountable for their harmful algorithms that ensnare children and exacerbate issues like suicide, addiction, and exploitation.

Maurine Molak shares a heart-wrenching story that underscores the need for immediate action. Her son David, just 16, fell victim to relentless cyberbullying, ultimately leading to his tragic death in January 2016. Molak transformed her grief into advocacy, successfully passing David’s Law to combat bullying and harassment in Texas schools. She now joins forces with other parents, urging for KOSA’s passage to tackle the root issues of online exploitation.

Since its introduction, KOSA has garnered bipartisan support, passing the Senate with a commanding vote of 91-3 in July 2024. However, following a substantial lobbying effort by tech companies, action in the House has stalled. Reports suggest potential weakening of the bill, further endangering children.

Cruz can be instrumental in ensuring the integrity of KOSA remains intact. His previous success in facilitating the passage of the Take It Down Act demonstrates his influence in pushing essential legislation through. “The House just needs to vote. Our children’s safety can no longer wait,” Cruz stated in a recent discussion.

As lawmakers reconvene, the urgency to pass KOSA is palpable. This legislation would impose a duty of care on tech companies, enhancing privacy protections for minors and equipping parents with tools to safeguard their children online. With nearly two-thirds of Senators co-sponsoring the bill, the momentum is building, but swift action is crucial.

Parents and advocates echo the same sentiment: “We owe it to American families to act NOW and pass the strongest protections possible for our children.” The stakes are high, and the time for change is now.

As the nation watches, all eyes are on Cruz and his fellow lawmakers to deliver the protections that children desperately need. The message is clear: the safety of our children cannot be compromised, and urgent legislative action is required to hold Big Tech accountable.