Overview

• The Senate reintroduced KOSA with revised language that requires tech platforms to adopt default-on safety features and a legal duty of care to protect minors from online harms.
• Supporters argue the duty-of-care mandate is essential to prevent child exploitation, suicide promotion, and harmful algorithmic recommendations on social media.
• Critics warn the Republican-led FTC’s enforcement powers could result in biased investigations and force platforms to suppress content on LGBTQ+ issues, abortion and other sensitive topics.
• Opponents also caution KOSA’s design mirrors European regulatory models and may impose speech controls inconsistent with US free-speech traditions.
• Despite bipartisan backing from Senators Markey, Warren and Blackburn, the bill faces fierce debate over amendments to address censorship and enforcement concerns before votes in the House and Senate.