Houchin bills on child online safety approved by subcommittee

Three bills in the U.S. House meant to protect children online have advanced out of their subcommittee.

Republican Congresswoman Erin Houchin who represents part of our area in the House, says that three bipartisan bills that she co-sponsored have been approved by the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee and will now move to the full Energy & Commerce Committee.

The AWARE Act, the SAFEBOTs Act, and the Parents Over Platforms Act have all been approved. AWARE Act is meant to address AI chatbot companions for children, SAFEBOTS puts guidelines in place for how AI can interact with children and the Parents over Platforms Act closes loopholes on age limits, making app creators share responsibility for age verifications.

Houchin praised her colleagues for passing the bills and said “Parents and kids deserve an internet that puts their safety first.