u/PrepExpert

The Commerce, Science & Transportation Senate Committee Executive Session 24 on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 will have two bills that aim to destroy internet privacy: KOSA & SCREEN

The SCREEN act would require online age checks for any website containing even a single piece of explicit material -- services like Reddit, Netflix, Discord, etc would all need to collect ID scans. It also specifically attacks VPNs requiring anyone using one to ID'ed as well. Further reading: SCREEN act at EFF

The EFF describes KOSA as an 'unconstitutional censorship bill that would give the FTC, and potentially state Attorneys General, the power to restrict protected online speech they find objectionable.' There are also concerns it may lead to online ID checks. Further reading: KOSA at EFF

Already both of these bills have passed in the House in the form of the KIDS act. Now in the Senate, next week's Commerce Committee is an important next step before the floor vote.

We need to make our voice clear to Senator Cantwell -- Washingtonians do not want online ID checks, facial scans, or other invasive measures. No one should have to compromise their privacy to access websites online. Parental controls exist today, and they are effective without demolishing privacy.

There has been some speculation that the bills may not pass due to disagreement between the House and Senate on which awful version of the bills to pass -- however, since both sides are willing to steamroll over our privacy and freedom of speech, don't count on them not coming together to screw the American people over. None of the rhetoric has been concerned with our rights as citizens. So make your voice heard now while you still can.

Here's what you can do:

Call/email Senator Cantwell (202) 224-3441. She is the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee and will be involved in this meeting.
Call/email Senator Murray (202) 224-2621 She is not involved in this committee, but it is worth informing her about these three bills (SCREEN, KOSA, KIDS) as it may be advancing to a floor vote soon. (It moved extremely rapidly in the House)

There was a proposal for a new data center to be built in Cle Elum, Washington on Tuesday evening directly next to the only school and water treatment plant in the area. It is also directly next to residential neighborhoods.

It was presented by the ceo of blue fern development, Ben Paulus, who is currently building 1000 houses and apartments in the area. You can watch the cle elum council meeting from Tuesday on facebook. He comes in at minute 49. There is an emergency meeting on Friday July 31st at 9 am in cle elum to put a 6 month moratorium in place to gather more information but I fear with the recent lawsuit and bankruptcy, it is something the city will actually consider. Blue Fern also owns more land behind this, so it could lead to even bigger facilities being built in the future.

I am just trying to spread the word. I am greatly concerned as to the impacts this will have on the rivers and the animals and I know a lot of you like to recreate in this area. Please help us keep this monstrosity out of our neighborhoods!

Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage in western Washington. Donors needed urgently statewide.

Please contact WA Senator Cantwell to oppose nationwide online ID check bills (SCREEN/KOSA) prior to Wednesday committee meeting

Blue Fern development from Redmond proposed a new data center in Cle Elum, WA on Tuesday evening