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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO PASS THE KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT (KOSA) AND THE CHILDREN AND TEENS’ ONLINE PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT (COPPA 2.0)
WHEREAS, the digital age has revolutionized how children and teenagers interact with the world, presenting unprecedented opportunities for learning and engagement, while also introducing significant risks to their safety and privacy online; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning on May 23, 2023, stating that “there are increasing concerns among researchers, parents and caregivers, young people, healthcare experts, and others about the impact of social media on youth mental health” with such concerns including anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and suicide. Social media is additionally used to facilitate cyberbullying, privacy invasion, fraud, human trafficking, sexual harassment, sexual predation, the sale of illegal narcotics, hate, and disinformation; and
WHEREAS, about 64% of U.S. teens have encountered hate speech on social media; Approximately 46% of students report experiencing cyberbullying; Teenagers who use social media for more than 3 hours daily are more likely to experience mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and antisocial behavior; One in four young people see illicit drugs advertised for sale on social media; and
WHEREAS, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) have recently passed the United States Senate, demonstrating a crucial step towards enhancing protections for young users in our increasingly digital society; and
WHEREAS, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is designed to create robust frameworks for monitoring and regulating online platforms, ensuring they are safe environments for children and teenagers by addressing harmful content and interactions; and
WHEREAS, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) aims to update and strengthen privacy protections for minors, addressing modern challenges and ensuring that the personal data of young users is safeguarded against misuse by digital entities; and
WHEREAS, these legislative measures are essential for providing parents, educators, and guardians with greater tools to manage and protect the online experiences of their children, ensuring their safety and privacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape; and
WHEREAS, the passage of these acts would mark a significant advancement in our national commitment to safeguarding our youth, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the evolving threats and challenges they face online; and
WHEREAS, the successful implementation of these laws will benefit from the active support of all legislative bodies, stakeholders, and community advocates who recognize the urgent need for enhanced online protections for minors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners strongly urge the United States House of Representatives to pass the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children (KOSA) and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) in order to bolster online safety and privacy protections for children and teenagers across the nation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners call upon all relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups, to support the passage of these critical pieces of legislation and work collaboratively towards their effective implementation; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the Illinois’ Congressional delegation, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders, to emphasize the importance and urgency of passing these legislative measures to ensure the safety and privacy of our nation's youth.
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