FTC The Attention Economy: Monopolizing Kids’ Time Online

Many Americans are concerned that the Internet is a dangerous place for kids. Our children are exposed to age-inappropriate and often harmful content on a regular basis – meanwhile, Big Tech firms refuse to take responsibility for this unsafe environment of their own making. Speakers on this panel will dive into some of the specific harms children currently suffer online, while also detailing many of Big Tech's exploitative practices.

Both the Trump Administration and Congress have taken a particular interest in passing laws to safeguard children on the Internet. This welcome collaboration resulted in the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which President Trump signed into law last month. Speakers on this panel will discuss how this new law works and the FTC's role in implementation. They will also discuss other actions the FTC could take – under existing law – to further shield kids from online harm.

20 states have passed age verification laws to protect kids from harmful content on online websites. Meanwhile, Utah has passed an age verification law that would impose parental consent requirements at the app store level – and several other states are considering similar bills. Speakers on this panel will provide insight into how these age verification laws work to protect children. They will examine the possibility of Congress passing a federal age verification law. And they will also discuss the ongoing litigation (including Paxton v. Free Speech Coalition at the Supreme Court) that may affirm these efforts or serve as a potential roadblock.

State and federal legislators are taking action, but what can be done in our local communities? And what can parents do individually to protect their own kids from harm? The panelists will discuss the current state of play for families trying to stay ahead of the curve.