u/PrivacyEnthusiast2

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.

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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)

Ever thought of running for office? This is the week you can do so!

https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/candidates/filing-resources/file-office

^(^please ^give ^me ^some ^better ^options ^to ^vote ^for)