As the U.S. welcomes a new government, questions arise about its priorities for technology policy and online safety. With increasing bipartisan concern over harmful content, data privacy, and the protection of minors online, the coming years could mark a turning point for online safety in the U.S.
The new administration and Congress have a unique opportunity to address the fragmented regulatory landscape, support innovation, and position the U.S. as a global leader in creating a safer internet. But will they seize it?
The current online safety landscape
Online safety in the U.S. remains an urgent issue. Misinformation, cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy violations have drawn public and political scrutiny. However, progress has been slow, with no unified federal framework governing online safety. States like California, Texas, and Utah have implemented their own laws, creating a patchwork of regulations that complicate compliance for businesses and lead to inconsistent protections for users.
Meanwhile, international efforts, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act, highlight what’s possible when governments take coordinated action. The U.S. has yet to follow suit, but the new government could change that.
Signals of change from the new administration
- Increased bipartisan focus on big tech
Both parties have expressed growing frustration with tech companies’ perceived lack of accountability. Republicans have focused on alleged censorship and free speech issues, while Democrats emphasise the need for stronger protections against misinformation and harmful content. This shared concern could create momentum for bipartisan online safety legislation.
- Renewed push for data privacy laws
Federal privacy legislation could be a priority given its close connection to online safety. Protecting users’ personal data is fundamental to fostering trust in digital platforms and reducing risks like identity theft and exploitation.
- Strengthened oversight and enforcement
The new administration may explore creating or empowering a federal regulatory body akin to Australia’s eSafety Commissioner to oversee online safety issues. This could include enforcing standards for age assurance, content moderation, and risk assessments for digital platforms.
Opportunities for federal action
The new government can make significant strides in online safety by focusing on the following areas:
- Comprehensive federal legislation: A national framework could replace the current patchwork of state laws, ensuring consistent protections for users and a clearer regulatory landscape for businesses.
- Protections for minors: Expanding age assurance requirements and mandating safe-by-design principles for platforms catering to children would help reduce risks to vulnerable users.
- Transparency and accountability: Platforms could be required to disclose how they moderate content, use algorithms, and address risks, ensuring greater accountability.
- Balancing innovation with safety: Encouraging innovation while setting clear safety standards is key. The U.S. could foster public-private collaboration to develop safety tech solutions like AI-driven content moderation and advanced age verification tools.
Challenges to watch out for
Despite the opportunities, challenges remain:
- Partisan divides: While bipartisan agreement exists on the need for regulation, disagreements over free speech and platform liability under Section 230 could stall progress.
- Tech industry resistance: Tech companies may push back against strict requirements, citing concerns about innovation, costs, or overreach.
- Balancing global and domestic priorities: As platforms operate globally, U.S. laws must account for international interoperability and avoid creating barriers for companies operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Why the new government’s leadership matters
The world is watching. Examples from the UK and Europe have demonstrated that decisive government action can create a safer digital environment. If the U.S. fails to act, it risks falling further behind, leaving its citizens vulnerable and ceding global leadership on tech regulation.
By prioritising online safety, the new administration and Congress can protect Americans, support innovation, and set the global standard for a safer, more trustworthy internet.
Conclusion
The new U.S. government faces a pivotal moment in shaping the future of online safety. With bipartisan interest, public demand, and international examples to draw from, now is the time to take bold, decisive action.
If the government rises to the challenge, the U.S. could lead the world in creating a digital space where users are empowered, innovation thrives, and safety is paramount. The next few years will reveal whether this promise becomes a reality.
Verifymy is a safety technology provider with a vision to safeguard children and society online. Spanning age assurance, identity verification, content moderation and consent management, we offer frictionless, trustworthy solutions for online platforms to maintain their integrity, protect their reputation and safeguard their users. If you’d like to learn more about how Verifymy can support your business and ensure compliance, please contact us to learn more.
