Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) urged Congress to act swiftly to protect children from the dangers of artificial intelligence, calling out tech companies for prioritizing profits over safety. During a Sunday interview on CNN’s State of the Union, Britt pressed lawmakers to stop delaying and pass her proposed legislation aimed at shielding minors from harmful AI and social media content.
Britt, a mother of two teenagers, said tech giants like OpenAI have taken initial steps—such as introducing parental controls—but emphasized that Congress cannot rely on these companies to self-regulate. “How long is it going to take Congress to actually act?” Britt asked. “How many parents… are going to have to come and tell us a devastating story before we actually pass legislation?”
Britt’s bipartisan child safety push comes as concern grows over AI-driven platforms and their influence on children. Despite promises of moderation and safety filters, companies continue to profit off algorithms that promote harmful or addictive content. “We consistently see people putting their profits over actual people,” she stated, referencing the track record of social media companies.
In her remarks, Britt explained how her own experience raising a 15-year-old and 16-year-old informs her legislative priorities. “I don’t have to ask people what it’s like to raise kids right now. I am living it,” she said.
The legislation, though not detailed in the interview, is expected to propose stricter regulations on AI companies and establish government-backed safeguards to protect minors online. Britt noted that while parental tools are useful, federal law is necessary to hold tech firms accountable and create consistent standards.
As AI technology rapidly advances, lawmakers from both parties face increasing pressure to address digital threats to children. Britt’s call underscores a growing Republican focus on reining in Big Tech’s influence and enforcing moral responsibility in the tech sector.
