Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved COPPA 2.0 on Wednesday, sending the legislation to the Senate floor for passage.
Why it matters: The newly updated Children's Online Privacy Act is the latest tech policy measure aimed at making the internet safer for kids to get real momentum this Congress.
- Google endorsed the bill, which passed the full Senate in a kids' online safety package last year, earlier this week.
What they're saying: "Our legislation is desperately needed to help address the youth mental health crisis that is raging in our country," Sen. Ed Markey, the bill's lead sponsor, said at the markup.
- "This bill is not controversial," Markey said, adding that it has previously advanced out of the committee.
- "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the full Senate and the House to get this across the finish line."
What we're watching: The kids' online safety package stalled in the House last year, with leadership saying they wanted to take a new approach under President Trump.
- A House version of COPPA 2.0 has not yet been reintroduced, so we'll be watching for any action in the lower chamber.
