On March 26, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee clashed over social media regulation to protect children online, with republicans pushing for bipartisan safety bills while Democrats warned of weakened FTC enforcement after two commissioners’ removal
Republican committee members advocated for the reintroduction of bipartisan bills like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), stressing urgent action.
Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) emphasized the government regulation of social media, stating, “We are here today, to be clear, 100%. Everyone knew the assignment when we got into this hearing room ahead of time. We are here to talk about children’s safety online.”
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers feared that the FTC would be unable to continue regulating social media for children after Democratic Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya were abruptly removed. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) was upset, saying, “We had in place what was needed to protect our children. And that’s why I am absolutely furious right now that there has been this effort to fire the two members of the FTC.”
Should The Government Regulate Social Media for Kids
The governmental social media regulation debate has fueled a broader controversy over the independence and ability of regulatory agencies. Critics argue the commissioners’ removal threatens the FTC’s mission to safeguard consumers, and particularly vulnerable populations like children, from exploitation online. Alvaro Bedoya, one of the commissioners who were fired, described the action as “corruption plain and simple,” citing concerns over diminished oversight.
Despite the children’s online privacy on social media concerns, Republican members urged the committee to maintain its focus on legislative solutions. Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN) addressed the parents present, stating, “Shame on the media if the only thing they cover from today is the FTC, because children are dying.”
As discussions continue regarding social media regulation, the coming together of legislative efforts and regulatory enforcement remains a top priority. Passage of future legislation like KOSA is not only a question of social media government regulation passage, but of having strong and independent institutions to implement it.
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