View as Webpage

Ending Big Techs Exploitation of Our Kids

Protecting children and teens online is one of the most urgent responsibilities we face as policymakers. As digital platforms become central to how young people learn, communicate, and navigate the world, we must ensure these spaces are safe, transparent, and designed for their well-being, not corporate profit.

That is why I introduced the Stop Profiling Youth and Kids (SPY Kids) Act, which prohibits online platforms from conducting market or product-focused research on children under 13, and requires verifiable parental consent before any such research is conducted on teenagers. The bill applies to user-generated content platforms that rely on engagement-driven design features and personal data to shape ads or recommendations, including major social media and social gaming companies.

Children and teens should not be profiled, studied, or targeted for commercial gain, especially without parental oversight. In 2022, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube generated nearly 11 billion dollars in advertising revenue from users under 18.

Big Tech continues to exploit children and design algorithms that are deliberately addictive. The risks go far beyond excessive screen time. Youth mental health has declined sharply, and teens now spend an average of 4.8 hours per day on social media, which affects their emotional well-being, attention span, and performance in school. Cyberbullying is rising as well, and has been shown to significantly increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and attempts among vulnerable children.

By limiting how platforms analyze and monetize minors data, the SPY Kids Act helps reduce manipulative marketing practices, strengthens privacy protections, and reinforces the principle that the well-being of Americas youth must come before the business models of technology companies. Our goal is simple, to build an online ecosystem where children can grow, learn, and connect without being exploited.

Protecting Americas kids online is not optional. It is our responsibility.

Representing Iowa's First District

I met with mothers who lost their children because of unregulated Big Tech, children who were fed content glorifying suicide, pushed videos encouraging them to end their lives, or were cyberbullied to the point of despair.

No parent should ever have to bury their child because an algorithm targeted them for profit or because a platform refused to protect them.

This is why I’m leading the SPY Kids Act. Protecting children online can’t wait.

Honored to have been awarded the American Patriot Award by AMAC for America for my work to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts, deliver a $6,000 tax deduction for Iowa seniors, and root out waste, fraud, and abuse from Medicaid.

Toured Novelis in Davenport, the world’s largest aluminum recycler and a major producer of flat-rolled aluminum. We discussed how my Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act will expand recycling access, strengthen American manufacturing, and support good-paying jobs right here in the Quad Cities.

The ribbon cutting for the new Meller Health Center and Lee County EMS facility marks a major milestone for the community. I secured $2.1 million in FY23 Community Project Funding for the EMS Bay Improvement Project, giving the Lee County Health Department its first independent base of operations in more than three decades.

This project has been important to the community and to me, and I’m grateful to support investments that strengthen public health, enhance emergency services, and help Lee County continue to grow.

Committee Hearings

I waived onto an important hearing to discuss protecting children's and teens online. With technology becoming so fused into young people's lives we need to ensure these platforms are safe and trustworthy. My bill the Spy Kids Act takes an important step by prohibiting major online platforms from conducting market or product-focused research on children under 13 and by strengthening parental oversight of data practices. Big Tech cannot be allowed to continue exploiting children.

I spoke in a key E&C hearing on modernizing and strengthening the Energy Grid. Grid Security is important to keep the lights on during a storm and prevent catastrophic failure. I also discussed the importance of the critical infrastructure being built in America. My bill the Limiting Liability for Critical Infrastructure Manufacturers Act provides domestic manufacturers legal certainty so they can invest in hiring American workers and expanding facilities.

Floor Speeches

Congratulations to the Pella Marching Dutch on being invited to perform in the 250th USA Parade in our nation’s capital next year! This is a once-in-a-lifetime honor and so well deserved. You continue to make Iowa proud!

At only 8 years old, Marley Morris is bringing light to children battling cancer. She handmade and donated 100 bracelets to young patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Her kindness shows that even the smallest hands can lift others up in the biggest ways.

Amazing work, Marley. you make Iowa proud!

Muscatine’s own Corey Leonhard has spent 43 years competing, winning gold, and inspiring everyone around him. I was proud to honor him on the House Floor as he enters the Special Olympics Iowa Hall of Fame.

Corey is a true Iowa champion!

Congratulations to Julie Humes a Flight Nurse with Air Evac Lifeteam from Donnellson and the recipient of the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life award.

Julie was recognized for her heroic actions volunteering in hazardous ice conditions to help transport and save trauma victims after a severe car accident, all of whom survived thanks to her quick thinking and courage. 

Congratulations, Julie, and thank you for your extraordinary service to Iowa!

I am proud to congratulate Georgia Clark a student from West Liberty, who represented Iowa, placing in the top 10 at the 2025 National Civics Bee.

Georgia attended the event in Washington D.C. to represent West Liberty Community School District. Georgia’s hard work, leadership, and understanding of our country’s history reflect the best of Iowa. 

Thank you, Georgia, for your remarkable achievement and passion for civic engagement! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

###