GOP bill bans kids under 16 from social media to save them from dangerous ‘emotional distresses’
Fox News
A new bill by Rep. Chris Stewart would require Big Tech companies to verify the age of their users, so that children under the age of 16 would not be allowed to use platforms.
It would also give states the authority to bring civil lawsuits on behalf of residents if a company violates the age limit restriction, and creates a "private right of action" for parents on behalf of their children. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission would be in charge of holding Big Tech companies to account and enforcing fines if violations occur. Kelly Laco is a politics editor for Fox News Digital.
Stewart told Fox News Digital the idea for the legislation came from a personal experience of a family friend who had a 16-year-old daughter whose last action was to leave a message for a suicide prevention hotline before taking her own life. The congressman, a former Air Force pilot, worked to establish the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which also helps a great number of U.S. veterans.