Decoder with Nilay Patel Why Sen. Brian Schatz thinks child safety bills can trump the First Amendment
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Jan 30, 2024 
Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, a key advocate for tech and climate policy, dives deep into the intricacies of online child safety legislation. He discusses the Kids Online Safety Act and the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act, exploring how they could significantly change the digital landscape for minors. Schatz highlights the tension between these bills and First Amendment rights, raising questions about content moderation. Additionally, he contrasts the proactive regulation of Europe with the U.S.'s legislative stagnation, emphasizing the urgent need for a balanced approach to tech policy.
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Quiet Success
- Senators Durbin and Blunt quietly doubled health research funding over seven years.
- This bipartisan effort, done incrementally, avoided polarization and achieved success.
Legislative Timelines
- Senator Schatz increased tobacco age to 21, expecting it to take 10-20 years, but it was achieved in 16 months.
- Some projects he thought would be quicker have taken over a decade.
European Tech Regulation
- Europe's success in tech regulation is partly due to US congressional dysfunction and a desire among members to appear tough on tech rather than finding solutions.
- This leads to inaction and grandstanding, hindering progress.