Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Ed Markey (D-MA) have garnered increasing support for their bipartisan and bicameral Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0).

The senators expressed their appreciation for the growing backing of their legislation, stating, “With COPPA 2.0 introduced in the House and new cosponsors in the Senate, momentum is quickly building for our critical legislation to protect children and teens’ online privacy.”

Senator Laphonza Butler emphasized the need for legislative action to ensure children's privacy online, stating, “If we cannot rely on Big Tech companies to make good on their commitment to prioritize children’s privacy over profits, we need to legislate them into action and make crystal clear the urgent need for reform.”

Senator Mike Crapo stressed the importance of safeguarding children's data, asserting, “This legislation safeguards the data of America’s kids and prevents targeted ads, protecting our children as they navigate an increasingly digital world.”

Senator Angus King emphasized the necessity of updating protections for children in the evolving online landscape, stating, “As the online environment evolves, it’s critical that we update how we protect our children from consuming online content that could be detrimental to their development and safety.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar highlighted the overdue need for legislative updates in data privacy laws, stating, “Despite the dangers our kids are exposed to online, it’s been more than 25 years since Congress passed any legislation regulating the Internet.”

Senator Ben Ray Luján expressed his support for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of better protecting teens and kids online, stating, “I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation that updates the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act to better protect our teens and kids online.”

Senator Joe Manchin underlined the significance of protecting young people online, stating, “The bipartisan, bicameral Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act is crucial to protecting the safety of our young people online.”

Senator Brian Schatz called for congressional action to address the harmful impacts of targeted ads on teens, stating, “It’s working for them – just not for the millions of young kids who are sad and lonely and angry because of it. These kids need help. And because the companies have shown time and again that they won’t step up, Congress must instead.”

Senator Peter Welch emphasized the shared priority of safeguarding children online, stating, “Our children’s lives are increasingly integrated with the internet, from completing homework to connecting with friends. This bill will enact crucial protections to help safeguard children and teens’ online privacy.”

Senator Ron Wyden voiced his strong support for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of limiting data collection on teens to enhance online safety, stating, “I’ve said for years that forcing companies to protect the privacy of kids, teens, and all Americans is the single best thing Congress can do to make the internet safer and more trustworthy.”

The support for COPPA 2.0 extends beyond senators, with organizations like AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the Public Interest Privacy Center rallying behind the legislation. Dr. David R. Schuler of AASA commended Senators Markey and Cassidy for their work, highlighting the importance of maintaining enhanced privacy protections for children and teens online.

Amelia Vance, President of the Public Interest Privacy Center, expressed pride in supporting COPPA 2.0, emphasizing the balance it strikes between protecting child