For Immediate Release Thur, Jan 9, 2024
Contact: media@futurecoaltion.org
Future Coalition Calls on Elected Leaders To Reject Performative Bans and Deliver Real Solutions to Protect Consumers and Citizens
Young Activists Demand Action: Hold Corporations Accountable, Create Safer Online Spaces, and Tackle Privacy, Online Safety, and Hate Speech Across Platforms
Washington, D.C. — Future Coalition is urging elected leaders to reject efforts to ban TikTok, a platform used by over 150 million Americans for political discourse, creative expression, and the free exchange of ideas. Instead of pursuing a ban, the organization called for meaningful actions to hold corporations accountable and create safer, fairer digital spaces for all users.
“Banning TikTok is a distraction from the real work Congress and our leaders should be doing,” said Corryn G. Freeman, Executive Director of the Future Coalition. “A ban would violate the constitutional right to free speech for millions of Americans and set a dangerous precedent for government overreach. Instead of targeting one platform, we should be addressing the systemic issues of privacy, safety, and misinformation that affect all digital spaces.”
A federal district court has already determined that banning TikTok would violate the First Amendment. Such a move, Future Coalition warns, risks silencing millions while failing to address the broader challenges posed by data collection, hate speech, and misinformation across platforms.
Real Solutions for Privacy and Safety
While concerns about data collection are valid, Future Coalition stressed that banning platforms based on their country of origin does nothing to solve the underlying issues. The organization highlighted the need for comprehensive legislation to protect all Americans online, particularly children and teens.
“Instead of focusing on bans, leaders should pass laws like the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to protect the most vulnerable users,” Freeman continued. “We also need stronger oversight to combat hate speech, misinformation, and harmful content while preserving spaces for free expression.”
A Call for Accountability
Future Coalition also called out the hypocrisy of prioritizing efforts to ban TikTok in the name of national security while ignoring critical issues that impact millions of Americans.
“It’s telling that Congress can agree on limiting free speech but can’t come together to hold corporations accountable or create policies that ensure living wages, healthcare, or climate action,” Freeman said. “This isn’t just about TikTok—it’s about creating a digital environment that is safe, fair, and equitable for everyone.”
Policy Priorities
Future Coalition laid out a clear path forward for elected leaders to protect online spaces and ensure accountability:
- Pass Comprehensive Privacy Legislation: Implement strong privacy laws that apply to all platforms, ensuring equal accountability regardless of their country of origin.
- Enact Online Safety Protections for Children and Teens: Move forward with COPPA 2.0 and KOSA to safeguard young users from harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation.
- Combat Hate Speech and Misinformation: Strengthen oversight and accountability to prevent platforms from enabling harmful and divisive content.
- Uphold Free Speech: Ensure that online spaces remain places for diverse voices and ideas, while addressing safety and equity issues.
Protecting Democracy in the Digital Age
“This debate is bigger than TikTok. It’s about whether we’re going to let government censorship dictate the future of digital spaces or work together to create policies that protect both privacy and free speech,” Freeman concluded. “Now is the time to act, not with bans, but with real solutions that benefit all citizens and consumers.”
For more information or to schedule an interview with Corryn G. Freeman, please contact media@futurecoalition.org
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Future Coalition is a national political nonprofit organization that provides resources to empower young changemakers. Through collaboration and innovation, we help build a future rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity for all.