Why the Senate needs to abandon the Kids Online Safety Act
Like a bad rash, the Kids Online Safety Act keeps coming back. The bill thus far has failed to become law in successive Congresses, and despite being beaten back repeatedly by reasoned arguments challenging its unconstitutionality, it reappears at irregular intervals. On Wednesday, Aug. 5, the Senate Commerce Committee will consider KOSA at a markup, alongside four other technology bills and a handful of Coast Guard nominations.
TL;DR
- The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is being considered again by the Senate Commerce Committee.
- Opponents argue the "duty of care" provision in KOSA is unconstitutional and could lead to censorship.
- The House of Representatives previously altered its version of KOSA by removing the duty of care.
- Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Kat Cammack have expressed concerns about KOSA's potential for censorship.
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the bill's sponsor, has indicated KOSA could address online 'indoctrination'.
- The bill's critics suggest its principles align with groups advocating for censorship.
- The article urges lawmakers to reject KOSA on legal, philosophical, and practical grounds.