The “Kids Over Clicks” package of bills has passed the Michigan Senate, seeking to protect children in the state from the dangers of social media and AI.
The legislation aims to prohibit addictive feeds from children, ban chatbots for minors, and verify the age of users. Democratic State Senator Kevin Hertel voted in favor.
“Big tech companies are profiting using manipulative algorithms that keep kids hooked while parents are left on the sidelines,” Hertel said.
Republican State Senator Aric Nesbitt voted against the bill, saying it doesn’t go far enough to address the problem.
“Just look around the room right now,” Nesbitt said on the Senate floor. “How many of you are on your own phones? Rather than listening to the speech or the debate happening on the floor of the Michigan Senate. If we struggle as adults with these kind of addictions, imagine how much harder it is for our young, vulnerable, developing minds.”
Ultimately, the package of bills passed. It now goes to the state House for consideration.
