WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2026) – The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), along with 114 organizations from 43 states and the District of Columbia, sent a letter to U.S. Senate and House leadership calling on them to oppose the “Parents Over Platforms Act” (POPA, S. 4349/HR. 6333).
“Parents and child protection allies want strong legislation to protect children from harm by regulating app stores and app developers. The ‘Parents Over Platforms Act’ purports to do that but in effect does nothing to protect children – it’s a gift to Big Tech,” said Dr. Eleanor Kennelly Gaetan, Senior Adviser for AI and Emerging Technology, National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
“Naturally, tech trade groups, along with Apple and Google, have endorsed POPA, while nearly all organizations that prioritize online child safety oppose. That fact alone is telling.
“The preemption language in POPA, which prevents states from regulating in the same areas as the bill, removes the opportunity for states to make truly effective child safety legislation. The bill’s limitation of liability prioritizes app stores and app developers, requiring them to make only a ‘good faith effort’ to comply with the bill. That’s simply not enough to protect children from harm. Congress must reject POPA,” Gaetan said.
About National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE)
Founded in 1962, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading national non-profit organization exposing the links between all forms of sexual exploitation such as child sexual abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking and the public health harms of pornography.
To schedule an interview with NCOSE, please contact press@ncose.com.
