A new bill aimed at protecting children from online predators is making waves in the Oklahoma State Legislature. During a recent meeting on February 19, 2025, lawmakers discussed alarming findings from a bureau investigation that revealed adults posing as 14-year-old girls on Snapchat received inappropriate solicitations from older men. This prompted a call for urgent action to address the risks posed by digital platforms.

The proposed legislation seeks to hold social media and digital communication companies accountable for their algorithms, which have been linked to facilitating child trafficking. Lawmakers expressed concern that these platforms could be exploiting children, particularly during vulnerable hours when they are offline from school. One representative emphasized the need for companies to conduct self-assessments to ensure they are not maliciously targeting minors.

The bill would empower the attorney general to take legal action against companies that fail to protect children from predators. It specifically targets digital platforms that allow social interaction, including social media and online gaming environments where communication between users is possible.

In response to questions about how this legislation improves upon existing federal regulations, lawmakers highlighted the need for additional layers of protection for children. They noted that current laws often fall short in prosecuting offenders, and this bill aims to provide prosecutors with more tools to combat online exploitation.

As the discussion continues, the bill represents a significant step toward enhancing the safety of children in Oklahoma's digital landscape, with lawmakers committed to ensuring that young people are protected from the dangers of online interactions.