Following a near-unanimous approval in the Senate last week, the fate of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) hangs in the balance. With Congress now on a six-week recess, speculation arises from Punchbowl News suggesting that House Republican leaders may not prioritize bringing the bill to the floor for a vote upon legislators’ return.
In response to this news, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement urging House Republicans to consider the bipartisan kids online safety legislation passed by the Senate. This bill, also backed by Vice President Kamala Harris, aims to regulate online platforms and protect users under the age of 18 from harmful content.
While some applaud KOSA as a step towards holding tech companies accountable for their impact on children, others, like the Center for Technology and Democracy, express concerns about potential censorship. The division among digital rights and tech accountability advocates reflects differing views on the bill’s implications.
Evan Greer of Fight for the Future voices opposition to KOSA, highlighting the need for comprehensive antitrust-focused legislation over what he perceives as flawed measures. The debate reveals a broader struggle between lawmakers, tech companies, and advocacy groups regarding online safety and regulation.
Amidst the controversy, support for KOSA comes from various quarters, including X CEO Linda Yaccarino and the Center for Countering Digital Hate. Despite uncertainties surrounding the bill’s future, legal expert Gautam Hans foresees the potential for alternative proposals with stronger safeguards against censorship.