A pair of powerful Democrats have drafted a bill that would change the face of children's online content/gaming industry. 

The Kids Internet Design and Safety (KIDS) Act, introduced Thursday (March 5) by Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), would, among many other things, ban auto-play settings, push alerts and reward "badges" on websites and/or apps for kids and young teens.

It would also prohibit web sites from recommending content with host-selling and influencer marketing, including "unboxing videos" to kids and young teens, or from "exposing children and young teens to marketing with embedded interactive elements." 

Related: Senators Push for Research into Tech Impact on Kids

“Powerful companies push kids to buy products at every turn online, and top platforms are saturated with disturbing content that no kid should ever be exposed to," said Markey, co-author of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). "As a society, we’re playing catch up to the serious risks to kids online, and Congress has a responsibility to say loud and clear that Big Tech needs to get serious about the well-being of children and teens.”

“Big Tech has designed their platforms to ensnare and exploit children for more likes, more views, and more purchases,” said Blumenthal. "The KIDS Act puts guardrails in place to reign in recklessness of marketers and Big Tech – protecting children and giving parents some peace of mind.” 

“This groundbreaking bill will provide children with the 21st Century safeguards they urgently need today,” said Jeffrey Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy and one of the historically strongest voices for protecting kids online. “Children in the U.S. have been turned into digital “guinea pigs” as marketers and online platforms bombard them with commercial interactive applications designed to unfairly influence their emotions and behaviors. The 'Kids Act' will ensure that young people will be able to grow up in a world where they are no longer exposed to these unaccountable outside forces.”   

The Garden of Dreams Foundation and The Madison Square Garden Co. are expanding their children’s outreach and fund-raising initiative across a full week.

During Garden of Dreams Week, spanning Dec. 2-8, children from the tri-state area will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including participating in game-night entertainment for New York Knicks and Rangers, and attending “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” on Dec. 5 at the Theater at MSG with Quvenzhané Wallis, the Academy Award-nominated actress and star of the upcoming theatrical remake of Annie.

On Dec. 4, Garden of Dreams will unveil a refurbished Pediatric Emergency Department at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. The newly remodeled space, which features murals in the main corridor, triage and trauma rooms, offers a comfortable, soothing and child-and family-friendly environment for children facing treatment.

Throughout the week, MSG employees will help support the events and on Dec. 3, will take part in a “day of service” during which they will work alongside Knicks, Rangers and Liberty legends and the Rockettes to make blankets for children’s hospitals, create winter warm-up bundles for children in local homeless shelters and wrap holiday gifts for children from the Wounded Warrior Project, NYPD and FDNY Widows’ and Children’s Funds.

Since its inception in 2006, Garden of Dreams has worked with The Madison Square Garden Co. to bring the many facets of MSG – including the Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks – to children facing obstacles such as homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care.

Garden of Dreams Week Schedule

Tuesday, December 2
New York Knicks Garden of Dreams Awareness Night

• Children will be given the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the in-game entertainment – from singing the national anthem to performing musical numbers to guest announcers.
• MSG Network will host a fundraiser benefitting Garden of Dreams during the game telecast, giving callers the chance to bid for [exclusive] Knicks memorabilia.

Wednesday, December 3
Madison Square Garden Company “Employee Day of Service”

• Employees will work alongside the Rockettes, and Knicks, Rangers and Liberty alumni to help make it a warmer and more joyful winter for Garden of Dreams children.    

Thursday, December 4
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Refurbished Pediatric Emergency Department Unveil

• Garden of Dreams will unveil a refurbished Pediatric Emergency Department at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, featuring MSG themed murals throughout the main corridor, triage and trauma rooms.

Friday, December 5

Children from Garden of Dreams Attend “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Theater at MSG

• Children will get to see a live performance of Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale with Quvenzhané Wallis, the youngest actress ever to receive an Academy Award® nomination for Best Actress.

Monday, December 8
New York Rangers Garden of Dreams Awareness Night

• Children will be given the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the in-game entertainment – from singing the national anthem to performing musical numbers to guest announcers.
• MSG Network will host a fundraiser benefitting Garden of Dreams during the game telecast, giving callers the chance to bid for [exclusive] Rangers memorabilia.