Pat Ryan Votes Against AI Safeguards for Children While Holding Stock in Private AI-Driven Technology Company

Congressman Pat Ryan voted against the bipartisan Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, legislation that included new safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots, stronger parental controls, updated child privacy protections, and new accountability measures for online platforms.

The legislation included provisions requiring AI chatbot providers to clearly tell minors that they are interacting with artificial intelligence, not a real person. It also required suicide and crisis hotline resources when suicide or suicidal ideation is discussed, barred chatbots from falsely claiming to be licensed professionals, and required policies addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, gambling promotion, and extended chatbot use.

Ryan voted no.

At the same time, Ryan's own financial disclosure shows he holds private stock in Socure, an identification-verification technology company that describes itself as using artificial intelligence for identity verification and fraud prevention.

"This is exactly why Hudson Valley families are tired of Washington," said Jackie Auringer. "Pat Ryan holds private stock in an AI-driven technology company, but when Congress considers basic guardrails for artificial intelligence and children, he votes no - parents deserve to know why."

The KIDS Act passed the House with strong bipartisan support, including more than 100 Democrats. New York Democrats voting yes included House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Josh Riley, Tom Suozzi, Paul Tonko, Joe Morelle, Jerry Nadler, Tim Kennedy, Laura Gillen, John Mannion, and Gregory Meeks.

Ryan voted no.

"This was not a partisan bill," Auringer said. "This was a bill that said children should know when they are talking to a machine, not a person. It said kids should get real crisis resources when suicide comes up. It said parents deserve stronger tools, and Big Tech should face basic accountability. More than 100 Democrats voted yes. Pat Ryan voted no."

The Auringer campaign said Ryan owes Hudson Valley families a clear explanation of how he separates his personal financial interest in AI-driven technology from his votes on AI oversight, children's privacy, and online safety.

"No one in Congress should be silent about their financial interest in emerging technology while voting on the rules that govern that technology," Auringer said. "Pat Ryan can find a camera for almost anything, but when it came time to protect kids from the risks of AI and Big Tech, he said no. Hudson Valley parents deserve answers."