Washington, D.C. – During a markup focused on protecting children’s online privacy, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) offered thirteen amendments, nine of which the Senate Commerce Committee adopted. Lee’s amendments were adopted as part of Sen. Blumenthal’s (D- CT) and Sen. Blackburn’s (R-TN) Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and provide additional regulatory safeguards and protections for children online. Sen. Lee voted in favor of pushing KOSA out of committee while noting the work still needed to improve the bill.

Sen. Lee’s amendments bolster KOSA by strengthening transparency surrounding risks posed to children. It adds flexibility and clarifies algorithmic child safeguards. The amendments contain regulatory aspects that protect from overly burdensome regulations while defending intellectual property. Additionally, they restrict unelected FTC bureaucrats from mission creep.

Of his amendments, Sen. Lee said, “I have long been concerned with protecting children online, and it remains one of my most important priorities. I believe that we are at our best when we carefully consider our legislative response, don’t rush a complicated product, and openly debate the complex issues before us.” Sen. Lee continued, “So, I look forward to working with my colleagues post-markup with the anticipation that we can resolve these issues, advance this bill on the floor, and most importantly – protect the safety of children online.”