The resolution from the Alaska State Legislature calls on the United States Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1748) to enhance protections for children and adolescents using online platforms. It highlights the increasing reliance of minors on digital technologies for education and social interaction, while also acknowledging the significant risks they face, such as exposure to harmful content, mental health issues, and exploitation. The resolution emphasizes the need for comprehensive design safeguards that are currently lacking in federal law, which would help mitigate these risks.
The Kids Online Safety Act aims to implement various protective measures, including default privacy protections, limits on addictive design features, and parental controls for managing minors' online experiences. It would also prohibit certain market research practices involving children and establish a Kids Online Safety Council to advise Congress on emerging risks. By passing this legislation, the resolution asserts that Congress would demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the privacy, safety, and mental health of young users in an increasingly digital landscape.