politics
Big Tech spent $40 million to convince you saving kids is 'censorship'
This week, the Kids Online Safety Act was favorably reported out of committee — an important procedural hurdle in bringing the bill to the floor of the Senate for a vote, and eventually, to the president’s desk.
TL;DR
- The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has advanced in the Senate, following a previous passage in 2024.
- Tech companies have spent over $41.8 million on lobbying to oppose KOSA and similar child protection bills.
- Opponents frame KOSA as censorship, fearing it will lead to the suppression of lawful speech, particularly conservative viewpoints.
- Proponents argue KOSA is not primarily a speech regulation but focuses on how platforms design and operate products used by minors, such as privacy settings and parental controls.
- The bill is seen as consistent with a long tradition of providing special legal protections for minors.
- KOSA's core aim is to hold companies responsible for designing products with children's well-being in mind, rather than solely maximizing engagement.