Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) will introduce the “Empowering Parents to Protect Their Children’s Devices Act,” aimed at enhancing digital safety for minors. This legislation mandates Apple and Google to verify users’ ages before downloading potentially harmful apps, allowing parents to limit their children’s access at the operating system level. Currently, many kids under 13 skirt age restrictions with fake birthdays, with studies indicating they average three social media accounts each. Gottheimer’s bill proposes blocking apps entirely rather than relying on subjective parental controls. He highlights the dangers of AI chatbots, indicating that the bill will help prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content. The legislation also includes enforceable Federal Trade Commission standards for age verification and device sharing among siblings. With rising concerns over children’s mental health related to social media, Gottheimer’s bill aims to simplify digital navigation for parents, garnering bipartisan support amid growing alarm over online safety.
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