Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!
Get ready to shift your perspective on mobility as we take the wheel of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan and dissect its charm, strengths, and the road ahead. Feel the thrill of discovery as we uncover the twists and turns of its evolution and what makes this model a significant milestone in automotive history. From the streets of Blue Springs, Mississippi, to the global stage, we trace the Corolla's journey and share an intimate reflection on my time with an '88 Corolla, highlighting not just the car's features but its soul.
Venture deep into the heart of environmental concerns with us as we tackle the hidden impact of palm oil production. Witness the unfolding drama of deforestation and climate change intertwined with our consumption choices, a narrative that's as compelling as it is critical. Listen closely as we navigate through the murky waters of sustainability, legislative efforts, and the global response to a crisis that demands our immediate attention – the future of our planet hangs in the balance.
Amidst the gears of innovation and environmental discourse, we anchor ourselves with a passionate discussion on the vital need to safeguard our children in the ever-expanding digital world. Explore the intricacies of the Kids Online Safety Act (COSA) and how it could redefine the landscape of online protection. Join the conversation as we celebrate the steps taken towards securing a safer internet for future generations, and remember, the journey doesn't stop here – catch all our episodes on your favorite platforms, from Apple Podcasts to iHeart Radio.
Be sure to tell your friends to tune in to The TechMobility Show!
Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!
Get ready to shift your perspective on mobility as we take the wheel of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan and dissect its charm, strengths, and the road ahead. Feel the thrill of discovery as we uncover the twists and turns of its evolution and what makes this model a significant milestone in automotive history. From the streets of Blue Springs, Mississippi, to the global stage, we trace the Corolla's journey and share an intimate reflection on my time with an '88 Corolla, highlighting not just the car's features but its soul.
Venture deep into the heart of environmental concerns with us as we tackle the hidden impact of palm oil production. Witness the unfolding drama of deforestation and climate change intertwined with our consumption choices, a narrative that's as compelling as it is critical. Listen closely as we navigate through the murky waters of sustainability, legislative efforts, and the global response to a crisis that demands our immediate attention – the future of our planet hangs in the balance.
Amidst the gears of innovation and environmental discourse, we anchor ourselves with a passionate discussion on the vital need to safeguard our children in the ever-expanding digital world. Explore the intricacies of the Kids Online Safety Act (COSA) and how it could redefine the landscape of online protection. Join the conversation as we celebrate the steps taken towards securing a safer internet for future generations, and remember, the journey doesn't stop here – catch all our episodes on your favorite platforms, from Apple Podcasts to iHeart Radio.
Be sure to tell your friends to tune in to The TechMobility Show!
it's time for The TechMobility Show with ken chester. Ken is a veteran journalist who doesn't always color between the lines, so here he, the host with the electrified personality Ken Chester.
Speaker 2:Real facts, real opinions, real talk. I'm Ken Chester and this is the Tech Mobility Show, your program for news, information and perspective at the intersection of mobility and technology. You and I got a lot to cover today, so let's get started. Topics on my list to share with you during this visit my impressions of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan, the impact of palm oil and climate change, and, finally, how Congress is getting serious about regulating big tech. To add your voice to the conversation, be it to share an opinion, ask a question or even share a topic idea for a future discussion you can call or text me at the Tech Mobility hotline that number, 872-222-9793, or you can email me directly. Talk at techmobilityshow and that is talk at techmobilityshow and I guarantee you you reach out to me via email. I will respond. That's a promise From the Tech Mobility News Desk.
Speaker 2:I want to talk about an old favorite, one of the first EV companies that we discussed when we started this program, now over seven years ago. That company is Bollinger Motors. For those of you that may not be up to speed about Bollinger, bollinger was the first EV manufacturer we talked about of the current crop. They started in upstate New York. They were developing at that time a can-do, go-anywhere, do-anything pickup truck and then an SUV for retail sale. They were more concentrated on functionality than design or beauty or style. But that idea had some traction and they were going to produce it and for a while they were looking for a contract manufacturer to actually build their vehicles. Well, somewhere along the way they had a change of heart and they decided to pivot to medium-duty EV truck chassis. And for Bollinger it was a brilliant idea because it allowed them to bring what they had already learned into the fold. And with a little bit of money from Mullins Automotive they invested about $165 million.
Speaker 2:A few years back allowed Bollinger to get to this point and develop a series of medium duty chassis cab EVs. For y'all that may not understand the term chassis cab, it is basically a truck chassis with a driver's cab in it, so you'll see like a cab and then nothing behind it, just the chassis. And what they do with these is they send them to companies called upfitters and they can put any platform on them, from ambulances to boxes to other specialty equipment, what they call in the vocational trades. They can literally customize the truck for the need in the industry, whatever industry they're serving and they put that particular equipment on the back of it, and Bollinger believed that this would be a place to go. There are a lot of companies in that space, most of them you've never heard of, but very easily five to 10 companies trying to do what Bollinger is doing right now and, as you know, if you know anything about our visits in the past is we have chronicled the trials and tribulations of companies like Faraday Future, Lordstown Motors, Elio Motors, trying to get an EV product to market. It takes billions of dollars, a lot of engineering, talent and time and if you ain't got the money, if you ain't got the will and you ain't got the desire, you ain't going to make it Full stop.
Speaker 2:The news I want to share with you today about Bollinger Motors is they have officially received their IRS approval for a significant commercial EV federal tax credit, and that's major because not every commercial EV truck qualifies this approval positions the Bollinger B4 chassis cab to benefit from up to $40,000 per vehicle credit, and that's under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, targeting qualified keyword there qualified commercial, clean vehicles. This is important in order to help fleets that are looking at making the change Now understand $40,000 for a truck like that is not the majority cost. Typically these trucks cost anywhere from $80,000 to $160,000. But it is an important part of the calculation when you're looking at, as a fleet, making decisions about where to invest your money, because it's a little bit more than just buying a truck. You're actually buying into a whole different supply chain Because up until now your average fleet, regardless of what it is, is internal combustion, whether it's gasoline, diesel or some combination of the two. That's all the parts, the filters, the fluids, the training, all of that. And now you are making a move and it's something that doesn't need hardly any of that. So it's a reeducation, a retraining, investments by those fleet companies for their fleet maintenance crews to learn new ways of doing things and, importantly, we'll take fewer them Because there's no moving parts, there are no fluids. It's a lot simpler.
Speaker 2:Vehicle to run Doesn't mean there ain't any problems. You still have a battery pack, you have electronics to monitor and other things and then, of course, body hardware, which is typical of any vehicle. You still have that, which is typical of any vehicle. You still have that. Getting back to this benefit, this $40,000 is possible under Section 45W of the Internal Revenue Code. This benefit is calculated as the lesser of 15% of the vehicle cost, 30% for non-gas or diesel vehicles, or the incremental cost compared to a comparable gas or diesel vehicle. The Bollinger B4, designed with a gross vehicle weight of 15,500 pounds, is anticipated to be eligible for the maximum credit. They've also announced strategic partnerships with Arnex Energy for battery supplies and Roosh Industries, who will actually be the Contract manufacturer for the assembly Of the Bollinger B4 trucks.
Speaker 2:Bear in mind we talked about this too. Done right. It makes sense for an EV Manufacturer conserving money to Put their investment where it matters the Most, and that is developing a superior Product. Having somebody else actually do the manufacturing You're not sinking sunk their investment where it matters the most, and that is developing a superior product. Having somebody else actually do the manufacturing you're not sinking sunk costs in a factory equipment management, all of that. No, you're paying them so much a unit to build it for you An upfront engineering cost and then so much a unit Way less than the two to three billion dollars and hundreds of people you'd have to hire and clear a plant space or modify an existing plant. Don't have to do any of that. So this is brilliant for them and was their plan from the get. When Bollinger started. They knew even back in that day, when they were going to build their pickup truck and their SUV, that it was going to be a contract manufacturer actually doing the assembling. So that was always the plan. That didn't just become the plan, that was their plan.
Speaker 2:They expect to actually have these vehicles rolling out of their doors production models the second half of this year. I'm very proud of them. They're one of the survivors. They're one of the ones that will probably make it because they were able to pivot. Just like Rivian, they pivoted. Just like Tesla, he pivoted. If you don't pivot to the realities of where you're at and where you want to go, you will not survive. Bollinger said we can pivot. Take what we know already, make the pivot and we'll operate in this space.
Speaker 2:It's also important to note while production vehicles will not be coming out of their plant until the second part of this year, they have had demonstration vehicles already built and in fleets for potential customers to evaluate, and that is actually the way that most major manufacturers of big ticket items do. They will put a prototype, even if it's a new version of an existing product, they'll put it with a customer, they'll offer it out for a while and rotate it so that they can get real-time experience on how it's functioning and that the potential customer can evaluate it for themselves. It ends up being a win-win for everybody. So Bollinger looks like they'll probably be one of the survivors, because they seem to be doing everything right.
Speaker 2:They haven't overspent, they haven't overpromised. They're out there just plodding along like they have been for the last seven years, largely by the way, under the radar, and I want to tell you that this is one of several new commercial platforms that Bollinger is developing, but the B4 will be the first, and I'm really excited to see how this will turn out, and I'm hoping someday to actually see a Bollinger B4 in the flesh, in the wild. It'll be great because we've been talking about them for so long, and I'm glad that even after seven years, they're still a contender. Next, my impressions from a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Toyota Corolla hybrid sedan. You are listening to the Tech Mobility Show.
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Speaker 2:Social media is the main place to be these days, and we are no exception. I'm Ken Chester of the Tech Mobility Show. If you enjoy my program, then you will also enjoy my weekly Facebook videos, from my latest vehicle reviews to timely commentary of a variety of mobility and technology-related topics. These short features are designed to inform and delight. You Be sure to watch, like and follow us on Facebook. You can find us by typing the Tech Mobility Show in the search bar. Be sure to subscribe to our Facebook page. Social media is the place to be these days, and we're no exception. I'm Ken Chester of the Tech Mobility Show. If you enjoy my program, then you will also enjoy my weekly Instagram videos, from the latest vehicle reviews to timely commentary on a variety of mobility and technology related topics. These short features are designed to inform and delight. You Be sure to watch, like and follow us on Instagram. You can find us by typing the Tech Mobility Show in the search bar.
Speaker 2:For those of you that listen to podcasts, we have just the one for you. Hi, I'm Ken Chester. Tech Mobility Topics is a podcast where I upload topic-specific videos each week, shorter than a full show. These bite-sized programs are just the thing, particularly if you're interested in a particular topic covered on the weekly radio show From Apple Podcasts, iheart Radio and many podcast platforms in between. We got you covered. Just enter TechMobilityTopics in the search bar, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Speaker 4:It has a computer-controlled safety system, but it isn't an F-15 fighter. It has gold-plated connectors for longer life, but it isn't a deep space probe. It costs hundreds of millions of dollars to develop its technology. It was true then. It's true now.
Speaker 2:The Toyota Corolla, this iconic staple of the automakers lineup, has been around, if you can believe it, since 1966. With a milestone of 50 million Corollas sold worldwide and they reached that in 2021. The name Corolla is part of Toyota's naming tradition of using names derived from the Toyota crown for sedans, with Corolla Latin for small crown. Yeah, my Latin teacher would be so proud. The Corolla's chassis designation code is E, as described in Toyota's chassis and engine codes. While Corollas are produced all over the world, us Corolla production is concentrated at the company's manufacturing complex in Blue Springs, Mississippi, and that's been since 2011. Currently available in the sedan and hatchback body styles and gasoline hybrid powertrains. Toyota sold over 220,000 Corollas in the United States back in 2022. Think about that for a minute. We're just coming out of the pandemic. Still, truck crazy, suv crazy. Toyota sold 220,000 Corollas small passenger cars in the United States of America, not worldwide. Right here in the US of A. The 12th and current generation of the Toyota Corolla it's the E210, was introduced for the 2018 model year. In 2020, the Japanese nameplate introduced its first ever Corolla Hybrid sedan. Refreshed last year, the Corolla Hybrid enters 2023, which is last year as a thoroughly upgraded model. This review is about the 2024 Corolla Hybrid, only Available in four trim levels, the Corolla Hybrid is powered by a hybrid power system that includes a 1.8 liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, permanent synchronous electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Speaker 2:The hybrid powertrain produces 138 horsepower and 105 foot-pounds of torque and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission with intelligence. On-demand all-wheel drive is an available option with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle Base. Epa fuel economy numbers are 53 city, 46 highway for front-wheel drive and 51 city, 44 highway with all-wheel drive. Se models deliver 50 city and 43 highway for front-wheel drive, 47 city, 41 highway for all-wheel drive, and cargo capacity comes in at 13.1 cubic feet.
Speaker 2:Here's what I liked about the vehicle. The Toyota Corolla continues to be the bulletproof car that it's always been, and I need to stop right here. Full disclosure I owned a brand new 88 Corolla, loved it. Put 159,000 miles on the car it was awesome. Thousand miles on the car, it was awesome. The hybrid ups the ante with better performance and fuel economy with a modest increase in price. The driver can choose a variety of driving modes EV, eco, sport and Normal to meet the driving conditions on the open road or to satisfy personal preference. The Corolla Hybrid is very responsive to driver inputs, with the Sport mode counting for extra fun when underway.
Speaker 2:The Toyota Hybrid sedan is a solid build, riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture-C platform, otherwise known as TNGA-C. A super rigid structure, low center of gravity and highly refined tuning of the Mefiercen-type struts, front suspension and multi-link rear suspension endow all Corolla Hybrid models with above average handling, agility, ride comfort and distinctive driving personality All very true. Platform is fortified using ultra high tensile steel as well as the application of structural adhesive technology for body rigidity and passenger security. Don't get bent out of shape. Yeah, I said glue, structural adhesive. Yeah, glue, and most automakers do it. So don't don't. Yeah, just wanted you to know.
Speaker 2:I want to point that out inside, inside the passenger cabin, the driver enjoys a good all-around view from the driver's seat. Displays, controls and switch gear are straightforward and easy to read and use and, despite being a compact sedan, there's decent accommodation for four adults with ease of entry and exit. Rear seat passengers enjoy respectable legroom. Dual USB-C ports, center armrests with dual cup holders, round out rear passenger comforts. Here's what I didn't like about the vehicle. The center console only had one USB-C port, as well as a center dashboard. A tire repair kit replaces even a compact spare tire. The split fold down rear seat doesn't fold flat with the cargo floor. The releases for the split folding seat back are in an awkward place, reducing the functionality of the rear cargo area, and, despite the high fuel economy numbers, the overall range is limited. A like to have would be heated front seats and steering wheel.
Speaker 2:And this last comment from me is more subjective than negative. I for one am not a fan of the exterior styling. For some reason. Its attempt at being handsomely aggressive, I think, falls short. But again, that's me. So here's the bottom line. You cannot go wrong with the Toyota Corolla. The hybrid model offers a performance edge with higher fuel economy numbers, but that's mitigated by a small fuel tank.
Speaker 2:Depending on what you desire and the size of your budget, the gasoline versions of the Corolla are lower priced. If you're a soul or not a fan of trucks or SUVs, but craves more functionality, consider the Corolla Hatchback. In any case, the Corolla will never steer you wrong. The base MSRP for the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid starts from $23,500 for the LE front-wheel drive to $28,340 for the Nightshade all-wheel drive model. Destination charges add $1,095. Msrp is tested.
Speaker 2:I drove the 2024 Corolla Hybrid SE, all-wheel drive sedan with the following extra cost options Exterior ruby, flare, pearl paint, se premium package. Rear bumper protection, mud guards, carpet mat package. The total cost of these extra cost options came to $2,248. Total MSRP, including options and destination charges, came to $30,483. That's on the high end, obviously, if you're willing to spend a little less and don't need as much again, remember you can get into a Corolla for as little as $2,300 plus freight.
Speaker 2:Me personally, I would suggest you take a look at the hatchback. It's stylish, it's fast and it offers you some more capability and functionality that the sedan doesn't offer. And you know it's not ugly. It will look very good in your driveway and with so many few choices that are not SUVs or pickup trucks these days, it's worth a look, particularly if you're trying to save your pennies and get the most out of the vehicle that you drive. You can never go wrong. There's a reason why it's lasted 12 generations and 50 million copies from 1966. They're still on the case and they're still doing the job well. Just saying so that you know I love this car. I was very impressed with it. Palm oil and climate change I share how both of these impact you directly.
Speaker 2:This is the Tech Mobility Show. Do you listen to podcasts? Seems that most people do. Hi, I'm Ken Chester, host of the TechMobility Show. If you've missed any of our weekly episodes on the radio, our podcast is a great way to listen. You can find the TechMobility Podcast just about anywhere you can enjoy podcasts. Be sure to follow us from Apple Podcasts, iheartradio and many platforms in between. We are there. Just enter the TechMobility Podcast in the search bar. Wherever you listen to podcasts, social media, it's the place to be, and we're no exception. Hi, I'm Ken Chester, host of the Tech Mobility Show. Several times a week, I post to TikTok several of the topics that I cover on my weekly radio show. It's another way to keep up on mobility technology news and information on my weekly radio show. It's another way to keep up on mobility technology news and information. I've built quite a library of short videos for your viewing pleasure, so be sure to watch, like and subscribe. That's the Tech Mobility Show on TikTok. Check it out.
Speaker 2:Palm oil, that necessary ingredient that makes all things spreadable yeah, from toothpaste to ice cream, believe it or not, and it's a commodity that contributes the most to the loss of the tropical forest. This has grave implications for the planet. This is topic b palm oil. Bet you probably never heard of palm oil, but then again there's probably a lot of chemicals you haven't heard of if you haven't taken the time to read the ingredient list of some of the stuff that you use every day. They use palm oil, one because it's cheap and two because it gives the necessary ability to make things that are not spreadable spreadable. However, where they get this stuff from is a problem. Let me explain how this works. Right now, you're talking about getting palm oil primarily from the Far East, primarily from Indonesia. Okay, not a problem.
Speaker 2:Where they're getting it is in the forests of some of those dense forests on the planet. It is in the forests of some of those dense forests on the planet. You've heard of the Amazon and you've heard maybe you've had an understanding why the Amazon forest is so brutally important to the planet. I'll explain it like this those type of dense, unspoiled forests are a big, what they call carbon sink in the world. These large forests suck carbon out of the air, the trees, the plants. They use it, they absorb it, they take it out and they release oxygen. Very simple biology, very simple photosynthesis. Very simple the way the planet works.
Speaker 2:Trees are probably one of the tools in the arsenal we can use to combat climate change. Why? Because not only does it take in carbon dioxide, which we're trying to get rid of, but releases oxygen, clean air that we need. This is where palm oil comes in. Just so happens, these environments are perfect for planting the plants necessary to harvest palm oil, and what they're doing is called deforestation. It's called deforestation. They are burning, otherwise eliminating, cutting down broad tracts of forest in order to produce palm oil. We won't even talk about the pollution that's happening, as they're burning the forest to make room for it. These large, what they call palm oil plantations they're thousands of acres. It's a problem because, as the world gets more and more sophisticated, the demand for palm oil continues to go up. As that demand goes up, it gives these folks financial incentive to decimate forests by the thousands of acres, and that has grave implications for the planet.
Speaker 2:This conclusion is based on a new analysis by Global Witness, an environmental watchdog organization, and Trace, a nonprofit that analyzes supply chains. Second place cattle products, particularly from Brazil and Australia. Third place Colombian coffee. A big footprint too. Not ready to give up my coffee, yet Issues.
Speaker 2:Researchers looked at import data and deforestation rates and found that palm oil bought by Americans may have caused 103,000 acres of deforestation, mostly in Indonesia. 103,000 acres, that is, no longer absorbing carbon and releasing oxygen. 103,000 acres that's half the size of New york city if you're keeping track. And they believe that is a low estimate because it doesn't count all the imports of manufactured products that contain palm oil. This is what they could measure. And this didn't just start. This has been a problem for a long time and there's been a lot of progress towards reducing the amount of deforestation in Indonesia and elsewhere. But, as usual, guess what happened? The pandemic and, as a result, the demand for palm oil skyrocketed. The price of palm oil skyrocketed and after years and years and years of starting to win the battle at the reduction of deforestation in order to stabilize the planet, it went the other way.
Speaker 2:It matters. Deforestation anywhere is terrible for the climate and biodiversity. The humid forests of the tropics store a quarter 25% of all terrestrial carbon on the planet, regulate rain patterns across the world and are home to a huge share of the planet's animal and plant species. Do you know what happens when, in order to clear these very dense forces. They burn them. What happens when you burn them? What gets released into the atmosphere? You ready Carbon, carbon the very things that they have sequestered in the living plants, and everything gets released by burning.
Speaker 2:To clear these attorneys in the fields, what To generate? Palm oil plantations? 103,000 acres. That's just the amount of palm oil bought by Americans. That's just us 5% of the amount of palm oil bought by Americans. That's just us 5% of the population of the world. That's just us 103,000 acres.
Speaker 2:What's being done about this? There is a growing move for manufacturers food manufacturers, cosmetic manufacturers, anybody that uses palm oil in the manufacture of their product to develop systems to certify what they call sustainable palm oil. What is that? Palm oil that is grown or produced sustainably without major deforestation efforts. They found a way to produce it without basically taking a big chunk of the forest in order to clear a field in order to do it. That's what they're talking about right here.
Speaker 2:Fortunately, there are several loopholes in at least Indonesian law that allow deforestation associated with palm oil to continue. Permits that were issued before the moratorium are still being used. The policy didn't protect many biodiverse forests because they've been logged already in the past and many countries are still buying palm oil without checking to see if it's deforestation-free, and now several investigations have revealed companies secretly circumventing sustainability initiatives to continue to profit from deforestation. Unfortunately, as always, it gets down to money. It always gets down to money. This one particular time, the European Union is starting to enforce a law that passed last year that blocks imports of commodities associated with recent deforestation. China's taking steps in the same direction, signing an agreement with Brazil to stop illegal trade that fuels deforestation. And, believe it or not, here in the good old US of A, senators reintroduced a bill last year to stop imports from illegally deforested areas, although, surprise, surprise it hasn't gained traction. People, we need to do everything we can do to reduce the impact of climate change. This is one small but important step Half the size of New York City in order to get palm oil for the materials that we use, the foods that we enjoy. Is it worth it? That's the question. The United States Senate is poised to pass the biggest piece of tech regulation in decades.
Speaker 2:We are the Tech Mobility Show. To learn more about the Tech Mobility Show, start by visiting our website. Hi, I'm Ken Chester, host of the Tech Mobility Show. The website is a treasure trove of information about me and the show, as well as where to find it on the radio across the country. Keep up with the happenings at the Tech Mobility Show by visiting techmobilityshow. That's techmobilityshow. You can also drop us a line at talk at techmobilityshow. Did you know that Tech Mobility has a YouTube channel? Hi, I'm Ken Chester, host of the Tech Mobility Show. Each week, I upload a few short videos of some of the hot topics that I cover during my weekly radio program. I've designed these videos to be informative and entertaining. It's another way to keep up on current mobility and technology news and information. Be sure to watch, like and subscribe to my channel. That's the Tech Mobility Show on YouTube. Check it out.
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Speaker 2:Social media is the place to be these days, and we're no exception. I'm Ken Chester of the Tech Mobility Show. If you enjoy my program, then you will also enjoy my weekly Instagram videos, from the latest vehicle reviews to timely commentary on a variety of mobility and technology-related topics. These short features are designed to inform and delight you. Be sure to watch, like and follow us on Instagram. You can find us by typing the Tech Mobility Show in the search bar.
Speaker 2:After months of negotiation, senators recently announced that a sprawling bill to expand protections for children online has a pass to passage for what would be the most significant congressional attempt in decades to regulate tech companies. I say it's about time, and this is topic C. Let me first start by saying this it is wonderful, timely and overdue. The Congress step in and protect our children. You hear a but coming. Here it comes. But they have failed us in establishing some of the basic protections that every single American should have relative to the rate of speed at which tech is developing. We've talked at length on this program, you and I length on this program, you and I about technology, privacy, security, cyber security, cyber crime and the risk. Why is Europe always seemingly ahead of us when it comes to this stuff. We're supposedly the most technologically advanced country in the world, yet we don't have significant protections for our population. Now, let me be clear. I ain't exposing nothing socialist here. I'm not saying that the government should specify what technology should be used, but I am saying that they can manage outcomes in how they approach the technology in order to protect folk. There's nothing wrong with saying I don't care how you get there, but here are the outcomes we're looking for that will protect all Americans, regardless of status or position in the United States of America, when it comes to their identity, their personality, their privacy, their ability for life, health and happiness. Let me get back to this bill. Let me get back to this bill. Bear in mind we still don't have a national equivalent to some of Europe's laws that protect individual rights, freedoms and securities relative to technology, like my personal favorite, the right to be forgotten. We don't have that here.
Speaker 2:Let's start with this. It's the Kids Online Safety Act, or COSA, k-o-s-a, which was first introduced in 2022. And it would impose sweeping new obligations on an array of digital platforms, including requiring the companies exercise reasonable care to prevent their products from endangering kids. The safeguards would extend their use of design features that could make depression worse, sexual exploitation, bullying, harassment and other harms. The measure would also require that platforms enable their most protective privacy and safety settings by default for younger users and offer parents greater tools to monitor their kids activities. I don't know about you, but I'm a grandparent. My grandkids are real sharp with technology. So when I read, offer parents greater tools to monitor their kids activities, these kids are awesome and usually way more sophisticated than we are, but I'm all for maybe starting with a minimum age and things like that. Here's what this act would require technology companies to do. We said reasonable care. It would also limit who can talk to you through their online accounts, limit design features such as infinite scrolling or notifications that keep younger users online.
Speaker 2:However, even if Senate does get around to passing this the way it goes, it has to go to the House, and the House hasn't introduced anything even close to this. Here's how this works. They developed this bill. Very often, the other chamber develops a like bill. They come together and they come up with a conference bill which then goes to both chambers to get approved when it passes both chambers assuming they didn't have any other amendments which would cause them to get together and start to process over again. It would go to the president for signature. We've got a ways to go here. There are 60-plus co-sponsors for this act in the Senate, just so that you know.
Speaker 2:The overwhelming bipartisan support for the Kids Online Safety Act reflects powerful voices of young people and parents who want Congress to act. It's about time. I've been saying it's been about time and yes, if it takes starting with child safety, I say it's a great place to start, but people to start. There's a whole lot more things we need to talk about. In my perfect, naive world, it would be wonderful if there was one place in the world I'd have one digital profile and in that digital profile I could specify this, that and the other, and all digital companies would have to follow my desires. I would not have to read miles and miles of small print for every single application I choose to use. I know I'm naive, but, like I said, it's a wish. We're probably not going to get there.
Speaker 2:Meanwhile, while senators have largely focused on advancing more stringent protections for children and teens online, house lawmakers have devoted their energy to attempting to pass a so-called comprehensive data privacy bill, which would expand safeguards for all users, not just kids. And while the key house committee, again two years ago, cleared a landmark privacy bill, it didn't go anywhere from there. It got out of committee and stalled People. We need Congress to act regardless of stripe, because we don't have the protections as a private citizen you deserve in the land of the free to stay that way. We have a right to be free, we have a right to our privacy, we have a right to the pursuit, you know, of what the constitution says life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to be happy.
Speaker 2:Congress needs to get with it and get something together. And hey, if it takes protecting our kids, that is an awesome start. Let's start there and build on that, because right now in the world we're behind, which is ironic because most of the tech companies are based here. But we're behind and that should not be the bipartisan support. Let's get something done. Let's at least protect our kids from everything that's coming and everything that's gonna come. Because we don't protect them now, it'll be too late to try to protect them later.
Speaker 2:Cosa an act to protect children against the excesses of technology. We need to do it, we need to pass it and then we can build on the rest of it. I would settle for that. I'd be okay with that at this point, because you got to start somewhere. Don't let the perfect get in the way of doing nothing. It's important Every good bill had to start someplace. I say let's start with this one in the Senate, because it's something that everybody can get behind and then we can build from there. Let's not hold out to get everything we want and end up getting nothing, and that's the danger that we very easily and so often get into, because if it's not perfect, then we don't want it. You got to start people. You have to start, and this is an excellent start. We've come to the end of our visit. Be sure to join me right here next time. You have been listening to Tech Mobility Show.
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