Senate Commerce to Mark Up Kids’ Privacy Legislation

The Senate Commerce Committee will mark up kids’ privacy legislation next week, Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., told us Thursday. The committee passed the Kids Online Safety Act (S-3663) with a 28-0 vote and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (S-1628) by voice vote in July 2022 (see 2207270057). “It’s been a priority,” said Cantwell. “We passed them out of committee last time, so we’ll probably do that again.” Asked if she’s optimistic about getting floor time this year, she said, “It’ll be up to” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., author of S-1628, told reporters Thursday: “We’re working hard to remove obstacles. That’s the job for today.” Social media created a “mental health crisis,” he said.