Adi Robertson, a senior tech and policy editor with a focus on VR, online platforms, and free expression, brings us this important update. Since 2011, Adi has covered a wide range of topics including video games and biohacking for The Verge.
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State Attorneys General's Push for KOSA
A group of state attorneys general is making a significant push for the passage of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This act has faced delays in the House of Representatives due to concerns about online censorship. An open letter signed by 32 attorneys general, including those from 31 states and the District of Columbia, was published today. It calls on leaders of both parties in the House and Senate to vote on the bill before the current congressional session ends early next year. 1: The letter emphasizes that while the online world has brought many benefits, excessive internet usage is having a negative impact on our children. It states that KOSA will establish better safeguards for minors online. Attorneys general from Florida, New Mexico, and New York are among the signatories. 2: Moving the bill forward is a challenging task. KOSA, along with a related bill called COPPA 2.0, passed the Senate nearly unanimously in July. However, in the House, a committee passed it to the floor with numerous complaints and promised amendments. KOSA would require large social media platforms to bear a legal "duty of care" for children.Controversies and Concerns
One of the most contentious issues is whether state attorneys general can bring suits under the law. The Senate version allows states to enforce some parts of KOSA but not the central duty of care rule. Several states have already filed preliminary lawsuits against companies like Snap, Meta, and TikTok under consumer protection laws. 1: There is a divide between Republicans and Democrats regarding KOSA. Critics on both sides argue that the bill could be used to censor content they consider harmful. For Democrats, it could be used against LGBTQ posts, and for Republicans, it could be against anti-abortion content. 2: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has indicated that KOSA's chances of passing are low, calling the bill's details "very problematic" last month. President-elect Donald Trump has shown an interest in legal action against tech companies but has said little about child safety laws. So, the future of a new version passing remains uncertain.