US senators propose Kids Online Safety Act

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced the Kids Online Safety Act, which offers enhanced online protections for minors age 16 and under. According to the lawmakers, the bill would "provide minors with options to protect their information" and require opt-outs for algorithmic recommendations. Annual assessments of algorithms, design features and targeted advertising systems would be required under the proposal. Blackburn said the bill addresses potential harms "by setting necessary safety guiderails" that will "require transparency and give parents more peace of mind."