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

BREAKING: Parents across America are urgently calling on Senator Ted Cruz to champion the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to protect children from the pervasive dangers of social media. As concerns mount about the harmful impact of Big Tech on youth, advocates emphasize that immediate legislative action is crucial.

The tragic stories of victims like Elliston Berry and David Molak highlight the urgent need for reform. Elliston, who faced devastating consequences from deepfake technology at just 14, is a stark reminder of the perils children face online. Her mother, Anna McAdams, recalls how fake nude images of her daughter circulated for nine months, despite multiple appeals to social media platforms for their removal.

In a related case, David Molak tragically took his own life in January 2016 after enduring relentless cyberbullying. His mother, Maurine Molak, turned her grief into action, successfully passing David’s Law in Texas, aimed at combating cyberbullying. Now, she joins other parents in advocating for KOSA, which addresses the addictive and dangerous designs used by social media companies that ensnare children.

Officials report that since 2019, numerous congressional hearings and whistleblower revelations have exposed the harmful effects of these platforms on youth. Yet, Big Tech continues to prioritize profits over safety. KOSA is designed to impose a duty of care on these companies, mandating them to protect minors from serious dangers such as cyberbullying, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation.

The bill, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support of 91-3 in July 2024, is now at a critical juncture. House leaders have been slow to act, and there are concerns that potential changes could weaken the original intent of the legislation. Rep. Brett Guthrie has indicated that the House Committee will address kids’ online safety, but advocates fear modifications could dilute protections.

Senator Cruz, who played a pivotal role in the rapid passage of the Take It Down Act, is urged to leverage his influence as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce to push KOSA through. Advocates believe that if Cruz can rally support and pressure the House to vote, KOSA could become law, providing essential safeguards for children.

Both McAdams and Molak stress that KOSA is not just a regulatory measure; it is a lifeline for families at risk. The bill aims to enhance privacy settings for minors and empower parents with tools to better protect their children online.

With nearly two-thirds of Senators co-sponsoring the bill, support remains robust. However, advocates insist that time is of the essence. Every day without KOSA, they argue, exposes children to the dangers of cyberbullying, exploitation, and mental health crises.

It’s clear: American families deserve immediate action. The call to action for Senator Cruz is louder than ever, as parents and advocates unite to ensure that KOSA becomes a reality. The safety of countless children hangs in the balance, making it imperative for lawmakers to act decisively.

Stay tuned for updates as this critical issue unfolds. The future of our children’s online safety depends on it.