WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin is advancing a bipartisan effort aimed at strengthening online protections for children, highlighting new legislation and the launch of a congressional caucus focused on digital safety.
Houchin announced progress on the Parents Over Platforms Act, a bill she is co-leading with Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Massachusetts. The legislation is designed to close loopholes that allow children to bypass age restrictions on digital platforms by shifting greater responsibility to app stores and developers. The bill would require more reliable age-assurance measures and promote safer design standards for products used by minors. The measure has passed out of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee and now moves to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.
In addition to the legislation, Houchin recently announced the formation of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Caucus, which she is also leading alongside Auchincloss. The caucus is intended to bring together lawmakers, parents, educators, and industry experts to address growing concerns surrounding children’s safety online, including social media harms, online exploitation, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence.
According to Houchin, the caucus will focus on increasing transparency and accountability from technology companies while ensuring families have access to clear and practical resources. Lawmakers involved plan to pursue bipartisan policy solutions and closely monitor emerging digital risks, particularly those connected to AI tools and evolving online platforms.
The caucus will also support research related to youth mental health and digital safety, with the goal of developing informed responses to the challenges families face in an increasingly digital world. Houchin said the initiative reflects a commitment to practical, cooperative action to better protect children while keeping parents at the center of online safety decisions.
