Issue One responds to new social media lawsuit: “We can’t continue allowing our children to fall victim to manipulative and dangerous platforms”

In response to today’s lawsuit brought against Character.AI by a family whose 14-year-old son died by suicide after using the platform, Issue One Vice President of Technology Reform Alix Fraser released the following statement:

“Sewell is not just another statistic. We can’t continue allowing our children to fall victim to manipulative and dangerous social media platforms designed to exploit young users for profit. Too many families have been torn apart. Today’s lawsuit is extremely disturbing but unfortunately is becoming all too common. It doesn’t have to be this way. Congress must step up and step in by passing the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) into law this year. Healthier online spaces are possible. Now is the time for meaningful action and responsible social media safeguards.”