Pressure is mounting on House leaders to consider legislation aimed at reforming how social media companies interact with users under 18. With just two weeks remaining in the congressional term, advocates, including figures close to President-elect Trump, are urging swift action.
Elon Musk, a prominent supporter of Trump, has been actively involved in discussions to refine the proposed legislation, known as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The bill, which sailed through the Senate with a 91-3 vote, has encountered resistance in the House, particularly from Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
Concerns have been raised that the bill might grant excessive authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and potentially lead to censorship of certain viewpoints. However, efforts to address these apprehensions have been made, with X CEO Linda Yaccarino expressing optimism about the progress made in balancing free speech and online safety for minors.
Support for KOSA has been vocalized by various Trump allies, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children online without compromising freedom of expression. The bill's sponsors, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, have welcomed the endorsements from Musk and Yaccarino, highlighting the revised text's commitment to upholding free speech.
Despite the push for swift action, doubts linger over the bill's prospects in the House, with some House GOP aides expressing skepticism about its passage before the end of the year. Scalise and Johnson have cited concerns about potential misuse of power by regulatory bodies, casting uncertainty on the bill's fate in the remaining legislative days.
KOSA represents a significant effort to hold social media platforms accountable for protecting users under 17 from harmful content and addictive features. The bill aims to compel companies to implement measures to shield minors from online risks and enhance privacy protections for young users.
As the clock ticks down on the congressional term, the fate of the Kids Online Safety Act hangs in the balance, with advocates urging House Republicans to prioritize the bill's passage to ensure a safer online environment for children.
