The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aims to impose obligations on tech platforms to protect child users by addressing issues like depression and eating disorders. It includes requirements for default privacy settings and seeks to mitigate harm from social media experiences, partly driven by advocacy from parents who have lost children due to issues linked to online interactions.
The bill has been met with opposition from groups like the ACLU, which argue that it could inadvertently harm marginalized groups, including transgender kids, by prompting platforms to remove a broad range of resources out of liability fears. However, some critics have softened their stance following revisions to the bill, such as removing enforcement powers from state attorneys general and more narrowly defining harms to be mitigated.
Despite previous Senate approval, KOSA faced a roadblock in the House last year, with leadership citing concerns over specific details of the bill. While the sponsors have made changes to avoid content censorship or speech-related lawsuits, House Republican leadership remains hesitant, with previous comments indicating significant challenges ahead for the bill’s passage in its current form.
As legislative dynamics continue to evolve, it’s uncertain whether renewed efforts and changes will lead to a successful vote in the House. Apple and other stakeholders’ support may influence the debate, but broader political considerations, including leadership opinions and collaboration with the current administration, will likely play crucial roles in determining KOSA’s future.