WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will examine 19 bills and consider which to include in an overall package with the goal of protecting kids online.
NetChoice applauds this thorough effort from the Committee and encourages them to move forward evidence-based solutions to enhance online safety for kids and empower parents and law enforcement over restrictions that weaken constitutional protections and cybersecurity. We submitted a statement for the record detailing our legal expertise and thoughts on the specific proposals in front of the Committee.
“We commend Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis for tackling the serious challenges of online child safety with this comprehensive hearing. NetChoice is committed to making the internet safe for both free enterprise and free expression, and we share the goal of protecting young people in the digital age,” said Amy Bos, NetChoice Vice President of Government Affairs.
Bos continued: “Effective solutions must be evidence-based, empowering families and holding true bad actors accountable. As such, Congress must be extremely cautious to avoid unintended consequences, like weakening constitutional guarantees and essential cybersecurity protections Americans rely on. We look forward to working with the Committee to refine these proposals so they achieve real, meaningful safety improvements for children while respecting Americans’ protected rights.“
Read NetChoice’s Statement for the Record HERE.
Policymaking that protects children online in America must prioritize empowerment over blanket prohibition, rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that override parental judgment and autonomy. Congress should focus on bolstering parents with digital tools and education and helping law enforcement hold bad actors accountable, ensuring any legislation can withstand legal scrutiny to deliver meaningful safety improvements rather than ineffective headlines.
NetChoice has been at the forefront of defending the speech rights of Americans and the online services they use to ensure genuine solutions protect children without limiting access to information. Our Digital Safety Shield for America outlines various evidence-based policy solutions to lawmakers that can stop digital criminals, protect kids and empower parents online while upholding the rights that make America exceptional.
Find NetChoice’s Statement for the Record here.
Please contact press@netchoice.org with inquiries.
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