In our increasingly online landscape, phones and tablets have provided a way to keep in touch with loved ones and find information with a single tap. But unfortunately, concerning content is often just a click away.
Thankfully, lawmakers in Louisiana are leading the way to make the internet safer. Last year a law went into effect that prevents children from accessing pornographic websites, and our elected leaders continue to pursue pro-parent solutions to protect our kids from dangerous social media sites and other harmful apps, including dating apps. However, in the face of regulation, these companies are hoping to avoid accountability and neglect their responsibility to keep Louisiana’s teens safe online.
Earlier this year, Match Group – which owns controversial dating apps like Hinge and Tinder – took the lead in pushing for legislation that attempted to make other companies responsible for keeping minors off of their apps. They may not admit it, but Match advocated for this solution in an attempt to avoid legal liability for the inevitable privacy and safety harms their services have on vulnerable users. This effort ultimately failed in the 11th hour before the legislature adjourned this year, but we can expect this proposal to surface again in the future.
While Match claims their plan would make the internet safer, the truth is quite the opposite. Their proposal would force other companies to give them access to users’ sensitive data, a serious concern given Match’s history of selling consumers’ information without their consent and using data for unsettling advertising tactics.
As we continue to look for ways to protect our children online, Louisiana lawmakers shouldn’t bail out bad actors like Match and encourage their unethical data collection practices. Instead, our officials should hold the bad actors engaging in questionable business practices responsible for keeping their apps safe.
Roger Villere is the elected RNC Committeeman for Louisiana.