Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is now reportedly urging Congress to move swiftly on legislation she says is needed to protect children from the growing dangers of artificial intelligence, arguing that tech and social media companies have little incentive to act on their own because profits come first.
In an interview on State of the Union, Britt said voluntary measures announced by major technology firms, including parental control tools, are welcome but insufficient. She argued that without firm action from lawmakers, parents will continue to be left on their own as AI systems become more powerful and more accessible to minors.
Britt acknowledged that some companies, including OpenAI, have said they are rolling out safeguards. While she described those steps as “definitely steps in the right direction,” she questioned how long families should wait for Congress to do its job.
“How long is it going to take Congress to actually act?” Britt asked during the interview. She said lawmakers have been talking about the risks facing children online for years, yet meaningful legislation has lagged behind the rapid pace of technological change. Britt framed the issue in stark terms, asking how many parents must come forward with devastating stories before Washington finally takes action.
The Alabama senator said the core problem is a lack of incentive for companies to prioritize safety over revenue. According to Britt, AI and social media firms have the technical ability to implement stronger protections, but history shows they often fail to do so without legal pressure.
“The truth is, these A.I. companies can absolutely do much of this on their own,” Britt said. “But we know consistently, time and time again, whether it’s been social media companies or now some of the A.I. space, that we consistently see people putting their profits over actual people.”
Britt emphasized that her push is not abstract or theoretical. She spoke from personal experience as the mother of two teenagers, saying she sees firsthand the challenges parents face as technology increasingly shapes youngaising people’s lives.
“I don’t have to ask people what it’s like to raise kids right now,” Britt said. “I am living it.” She noted that her children are 15 and 16 years old, placing her squarely in the middle of the generational divide between parents and the fast-moving digital world their kids inhabit.
From that perspective, Britt said it is clear that many families are desperate for tools that help them protect their children. She argued that parents should not have to navigate complex technologies alone or rely solely on corporate promises that may change with market pressures.
“So when you come with that perspective,” she said, “you know that there are parents out there that are looking for tools to help keep their children safe.”
Britt’s comments reflect a growing push among conservatives to rein in powerful technology platforms through targeted legislation, especially when it comes to protecting minors. While tech companies often tout self-regulation, Britt made clear she believes Congress must step in to ensure accountability.
As AI systems become more embedded in daily life, Britt’s message was blunt: waiting for Silicon Valley to police itself is not enough. Without action from lawmakers, she warned, children will remain exposed while companies continue to prioritize growth and profits over the well-being of families.
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