Congress wants to protect kids online. Its solution makes them more vulnerable

Congress, once again, is at risk of letting good intentions lead to policy that is both ineffective and almost certain to bring unintended consequences. Recently, the App Store Accountability Act took another step forward, making it out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Among other things, the ASAA would require app stores, such as the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, to verify user ages and mandate parental consent for users under 18.

While aimed at protecting children online, this bill would fail to promote the safety of minors, risk pushing children to more dangerous websites with less visibility for parents, and endanger sensitive data.

BIG TECH’S STICKY WEB HAS TRAPPED CHILDREN, ADDICTING AND EXPLOITING THEM

It’s true that the internet, despite providing benefits such as connection and broader access to information, is full of harrowing material, and that threats to children online are, sadly, ubiquitous. However, the