Proposed US legislation seeks to prohibit children under 13 years of age from signing up on social media.

Image source – WIRED

The article discusses a proposed bill called the Protecting Kids from Internet Abusers Act, which aims to protect children from online predators and inappropriate content. The bill would require social media companies to implement certain safety features, such as age verification and parental controls, and would hold them accountable for any violations.

The bill would also require social media companies to disclose any data collection practices to parents and to obtain parental consent before collecting any data from children under the age of 16. Additionally, the bill would make it illegal for online predators to contact children online and would increase penalties for those who violate these laws.

While the bill has received support from some lawmakers and child safety advocates, others argue that it could have unintended consequences, such as limiting children’s access to information and stifling innovation in the tech industry.

The article notes that protecting children online is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. In addition to legislation, it is important for parents and caregivers to educate themselves and their children about online safety and to monitor their online activity.

Re-reported from the story originally published in WIRED.