Attorneys General Urge Congress to Pass Kids Online Safety Act

Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch joins bipartisan coalition calling for federal legislation to protect minors on social media

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch has joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general from across the country in urging Congress to pass the federal Kids Online Safety Act. The coalition warned that social media platforms pose growing threats to children's physical and mental health and called on lawmakers to strengthen protections for minors online and hold technology companies more accountable.

Why it matters

The attorneys general expressed concern that social media platforms are using addictive design features that are harming children and teens. They said states have begun taking action to protect kids but need support from federal lawmakers to update rules for the digital age.

The details

In a letter to Congressional leaders, the attorneys general called for passage of the Kids Online Safety Act, which would impose a 'duty of care' requirement on social media companies. The group said the Senate version of the bill better preserves state authority compared to the House version. Fitch is also defending Mississippi's own online child safety law in a lawsuit brought by the tech industry group NetChoice.

  • On February 11, 2026, the attorneys general issued the letter urging Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act.

The players

Lynn Fitch

The Attorney General of Mississippi who joined the bipartisan coalition of attorneys general calling for federal action to protect children online.

Marsha Blackburn

The U.S. Senator from Tennessee who sponsored the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act.

Cindy Hyde-Smith

A U.S. Senator from Mississippi who co-sponsored the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act.

Roger Wicker

A U.S. Senator from Mississippi who co-sponsored the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act.

NetChoice

A technology industry group that has filed a lawsuit against Mississippi's online child safety law, which Attorney General Fitch is defending.

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What they’re saying

“Social media platforms promise connectivity, but that is not without consequences. These platforms pose serious physical and mental health risks to our children. Parents are desperate for help because they are up against the best digital engineers with the unlimited resources of their social media cartel employers.”

— Lynn Fitch, Attorney General of Mississippi (darkhorsepressnow.com)

“It is time for Congress to join the fight, update the rules of the game, and help protect children with laws written to address the digital age.”

— Lynn Fitch, Attorney General of Mississippi (darkhorsepressnow.com)

What’s next

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule on the lawsuit challenging Mississippi's online child safety law, which Attorney General Fitch is defending.

The takeaway

This bipartisan push for federal action to protect children online highlights the growing concerns among state leaders about the harmful impacts of social media platforms on minors. With states taking the lead, Congress now faces pressure to update laws and regulations to address the digital threats facing young people.