On a blistering June day in Washington D.C., Lennon Torres and attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett stood outside the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), choosing contemplation over participation in the workshop entitled “The Attention Economy: How Big Tech Firms Exploit Children and Hurt Families.” The decision to refrain from attending stemmed from disillusionment with the lack of transparency and inclusivity, accentuated by the FTC’s exclusion of pro-industry voices and the overshadowing of diversity through anti-trans rhetoric.

The Perceived Threat of Censorship

In a political landscape where free speech thrives on openness, the absence of tech industry representatives in public discussions fuels concerns about secrecy and manipulation. Industry voices silenced in public discourse may lurk in shadows, driving covert influence and misguiding lawmakers. According to Mashable SEA, “The path to impactful change lies in public debate, where Big Tech must stand accountable and defend its influence transparently.”

Bipartisanship’s Elusive Promise

The failure of initiatives like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), despite its bipartisan support highlighted by a 91-3 Senate vote, underscores the pernicious power of Big Tech’s lobbying efforts. It’s not political parties that killed the bill; rather, it’s the chasm created by corporate interests masquerading as free speech advocates. These companies benefit from division, driving a wedge where unity could otherwise foster substantive legislative progress.

Real-World Impacts On Families

Tragic stories like those of Jennie DeSerio and Amy Neville — parents from opposing political camps united by loss — illustrate the human cost of tech indifference. Their sons, victims to digital misconduct, highlight why diverse voices converging on common ground offers a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing lobbying efforts by tech giants.

A Call to Collective Action

Lennon Torres, an LGBTQ+ advocate, and Laura Marquez-Garrett, an attorney focused on corporate accountability, argue for resilience and bipartisan commitment to protect the vulnerable. Collaborations among unlikely allies aim to prioritize child safety over profit. The narrative of the 91-3 Senate vote, alongside cross-party collaborations, evokes an old but ever-relevant truth: when leaders set aside partisan differences, the result can be legislation that aligns with public interest and shields children from unchecked corporate greed.

Moving Toward Meaningful Change

As challenges continue, the voices and actions of bipartisan leaders must echo louder, urging the administration to use its power — not to target advocates, but to hold technology giants accountable. Such efforts can sow the seeds of real, lasting change — a change that protects the most vulnerable members of society. This uncertain journey asks a pressing question: will bipartisanship reignite and rise to meet the challenge, or will corporate divisions continue to thwart progress?

Lennon Torres and Laura Marquez-Garrett represent the convergence of advocacy and expertise on this critical issue, showcasing the power of diverse backgrounds uniting against a common adversary.