Sen. Hawley (R-MO) Introduces Two Bills to Protect Kids Online, Fight Back Against Big Tech

US Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced two bills to protect kids online and prevent harm by social media companies. The Making Age-Verification Technology Uniform, Robust, and Effective Act (MATURE Act) would enforce a minimum age requirement of 16 years old for all users on social media platforms, and the Federal Social Media Research Act would commission a government report on the harm of social media for kids. The MATURE Act would:

• Prohibit social media companies from offering accounts to users under the age of 16, and
• Hold social media companies accountable by creating an audit process and a private right of action.

The Federal Social Media Research Act would:

• Commission a report on the harms of social media, and
• Fully fund a longitudinal study to track social media’s effects on children over 10 years.