Facebook’s parent company Meta has reportedly won a major battle in the US. The social media giant may have effectively blocked proposed legislation to improve the safety of children online. According to a report by Politico, the US Congress recently adjourned without passing the Kids Online Safety Act. Despite widespread agreement that Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms contribute to addiction and mental health problems in children, the company has announced that the U.S. government is imposing new rules on these platforms. This may have prevented the passage of a law imposing this. The company successfully resisted pressure from a diverse and influential group of opponents, including 91 senators, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, the Coalition of Concerned Parents, the sons of celebrities and prominent technology entrepreneurs, Politico said. Reported.
Statement by Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed concern about the bill’s impact on free speech, particularly the potential for government censorship of conservative voices.
“Online safety is extremely important. I’m a parent, I get that. But we also need to make sure we don’t open the door to free speech violations. And it’s a very delicate balance. is” Johnson said in a statement to Politico.
Johnson also said he is committed to passing the bill. He plans to propose legislation to protect children online in 2025.
How Mehta stopped this bill from passing in the US
Mehta may have defeated the bill through extensive lobbying and strategic relationships with Republicans, the report said. The company has addressed past criticism, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s apology to Congressman Jim Jordan and a previously banned $1 million donation to an organization associated with the former president. By doing so, the strained relationship was repaired.
The company also used advocacy group NetChoice to frame the bill as a threat to free speech, which resonated with key Republican figures like Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the report said. added. This multipronged approach may have helped Mr. Mehta change his political sentiments and prevent the bill from passing.
