Let's Create a Children's Public Internet to Enhance Online Safety and Access

An increasing number of experts agree that the internet is detrimental to children. On June 30, 2026, the US House of Representatives passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, reflecting a growing concern over children's online safety. Amidst ongoing discussions about regulations, one solution stands out: establishing a children’s public internet funded by a tax on major tech companies.

What is a Children's Public Internet?

A children’s public internet would not be a distinct service like France’s Minitel, but rather a public lane in the information superhighway, as proposed by author Ben Tarnoff. The initiative aims to fund online services primarily serving children without the profit motive. The goal is to create safe, engaging, and educational spaces for young users.

Potential projects could include:

• A community-moderated Mastodon instance for children
• An ad-free, educational news website for teens
• A local newsletter promoting family activities
• An open-source version of popular platforms like Roblox

Why a Tax on Tech Companies?

The idea of taxing major tech companies to fund a children’s public internet is grounded in the need to address the profit-driven motives that often compromise children’s online safety. Critics argue that social media platforms frequently use predatory practices to maximize engagement, often at the expense of user well-being. By redirecting funds from these companies, we can create spaces that prioritize children's needs.

Countries like the US are already exploring stringent regulations to protect minors online. However, these measures often lead to limitations on access rather than solutions that enhance the digital landscape. A children’s public internet offers a proactive alternative, expanding the resources available to young users.

Implementing a Children's Public Internet

Establishing a children’s public internet would require collaboration among various stakeholders, including tech companies, educators, and policymakers. This initiative could help mitigate the negative impacts of existing platforms while fostering a healthier online environment for children.

Current approaches to internet regulation, such as age verification and social media bans, have proven challenging to implement effectively. A public internet for children could provide a viable solution by offering a safer, more supportive online experience that does not rely on invasive data collection or profit-driven motives.