78% of Americans believe social media companies wield too much power: Pew survey

While there seems to be a never-ending rift between Republicans and Democrats on virtually every issue, there seems to be one thing both sides can agree on: social media companies are too powerful.

by Pew Research Center, 78% of Americans think social media companies wield too much power. Breaking down further, 84% of Republicans and 74% of Democrats hold this view.

Most Americans have held this view since last presidential election year, but levels of disapproval have increased by 6% since then.

tech crunch report One of the only issues that both Republicans and Democrats seem to agree on is the power of social media companies and the need to take back that power before it gets out of hand.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) Kids online safety lawIt will reportedly impose a duty of care on social media platforms to keep children safe.

Blumenthal’s website says:

The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is supported by a majority of the U.S. Senate and will provide youth and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to protect from online harm. The bill requires social media platforms to put children’s well-being first by providing a safe environment by default.

But some say the bill could make adults more susceptible to government surveillance.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) — an unlikely partnership — have teamed up to propose a bill It would create a commission to rein in Big Tech.

“For too long, big tech companies have misused consumer data, violated Americans’ privacy, threatened our national security, and trampled economic competition,” said Senator Warren.. “This bipartisan bill creates a new technology regulator and makes clear that reining in Big Tech platforms is a top priority for both sides.”

Sen. Graham added, “For years, I’ve been trying to find ways to empower consumers against Big Tech.”.

“I’ve heard so many stories from families who feel powerless in the face of Big Tech. Stories of children bullied to the point of suicide. Human trafficking. Exploitation of minors. Meanwhile, social media platforms We’re turning a blind eye. Today, we’re taking the first step and giving consumers the tools they need to start leveling the playing field. The creation of a regulatory commission to oversee Big Tech would give American consumers a say in the matter and give them the power to punish consumers if necessary. This is the first step in a long journey to protect the…