No meaningful legislation related to protecting kids from harmful online content has been passed since 1998, long before the proliferation of social media. But lawmakers today are in broad agreement that the online community needs to be made safer for kids. To that end, in July 2024, the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act, KOSA. KOSA’s primary objective is to direct how the big tech companies deliver content to minors. One of the bill’s provisions would establish a “duty of care,” which would mandate all covered companies “exercise reasonable care” in the creation and implementation of any design or feature to prevent various harms, including the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. That means limiting the ability of unknown adults to communicate with minors on the app. 

KOSA would also prevent companies from adopting any algorithmic designs or other modes that entice kids to spend too much time on the apps, such as limitless scrolling and video auto-plays. It would require companies to put many features in place, enabled by default, to safeguard minors, including restricted public access to personal data. Under the bill, companies would be required to implement tools that give parents the ability to manage their child’s social media account, allowing them to adjust privacy settings, restrict purchases, and easily report harmful content. 

This bill is a great first step in protecting kids from harmful content online. The Senate passed it overwhelmingly - now it's time for the House to do the same. Ask your Representative to support the Kids Online Safety Act.