Bill Overview
Title: PROTECT Our Children Act of 2022
Description: This act reauthorizes through FY2024 (1) the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, and (2) the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: Children and their families potentially exposed to online threats
Estimated Size: 74000000
- The bill focuses on eradicating cyber threats to children, which directly impacts children who might be victims of such threats.
- Parents and guardians of children will also be indirectly affected as the safety of their children online is a priority.
- Law enforcement and agencies involved in the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction will see changes or continuation in their strategies and funding.
- Educational institutions that work with agencies to provide safer online environments may also be impacted.
- Victims and potential victims of child exploitation will be directly benefited due to enhanced measures.
- Online service providers might be impacted by any changes in regulations and enforcement as part of the task force program.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily aims to protect children from online threats, which is crucial given the large number of internet users in the U.S., especially the vulnerable child population.
- $500 million in the first year and over $1 billion in ten years is significant but must be allocated carefully across national strategies and local enforcement agencies.
- Those directly involved, such as affected children and their families, will perceive the most benefit, but the indirect benefits to the wider internet-using population should not be overlooked.
- Funding will also enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and agencies, possibly increasing job security and effectiveness.
- Implementation may require balancing between enforcement measures and freedoms or administrative aspects on internet service providers and educational institutions.
Simulated Interviews
student (Portland, OR)
Age: 12 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think much about online safety; I just use apps and websites my parents allow.
- My parents have mentioned online threats, but I'm not very worried.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
police officer (New York, NY)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will greatly enhance our resources and abilities to protect children.
- I'm hopeful this means more specialized training and equipment for my team.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More resources could help with developing better educational materials for online safety.
- Our school might be able to partner more with enforcement agencies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
IT support specialist (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about potential increase in work due to more regulations.
- However, the idea of contributing to child safety is a positive note.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm too old to understand all this new technology, but I worry about my grandkids online.
- It's comforting to know there are efforts to protect them.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
cybersecurity analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns with making the digital world safer for kids which is crucial.
- Increased funding means more potent action against threats.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
college student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring to know more will be done about online safety issues for kids.
- Hopefully, it leads to more community engagement on the matter.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
lawyer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will bring about necessary changes in the legal landscape affecting child exploitation cases.
- I foresee a rise in demand for legal expertise in online safety legislation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
stay-at-home parent (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything enhancing online safety for my kids is a welcome move.
- I hope this leads to more parental control tools on devices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
software developer (Denver, CO)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the regulations might complicate development initially, it's crucial to keep kids safe.
- I see the potential for innovation in creating safer interaction platforms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $405000000, High: $610000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The degree of technological advancement and sophistication needed to combat evolving cyber threats.
- Collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies is required for the effective implementation of the strategy and program.
- Options for public-private partnerships with online service providers to enhance cooperative efforts in protecting children online.