Nuked Hello there, my fellow tech enthusiasts! It’s Nuked here, ready to dive into some exciting news about the Kids Online Safety Act and the latest twists in Washington.
With Congress nearing its adjournment, X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino has stepped up, collaborating with the authors of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to refresh the bill. This move seems aimed at winning over some of the Republican leaders who have been hesitant about it becoming law. It’s fascinating to see how Elon Musk and his ventures are playing a role in shaping government policies!
Typically, it’s not unusual for companies to lend their voice to pending legislation, but when the sponsors of KOSA, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), highlight X’s contributions, it suggests they see this input as a positive boost for the bill’s prospects.
In a joint statement, Blumenthal and Blackburn noted, “Led by X, the new changes made to the Kids Online Safety Act strengthen the bill while safeguarding free speech online.” They emphasized that these updates should put an end to concerns about the bill being used for censorship by unelected officials. A big shoutout was given to Elon and Linda for their leadership in this crucial endeavor!
The goal of KOSA is to create a safer online environment for kids by imposing a duty of care on tech platforms. This means they need to take steps to prevent potential harms associated with certain design features like photo filters and endless scrolling. The bill had a smooth ride through the Senate but has hit some bumps in the House, where critics worry it could be misused against unpopular speech or restrict internet access out of fear.
Recent adjustments clarify that KOSA cannot enforce this duty of care based on users’ viewpoints expressed through protected speech under the First Amendment. Additionally, it narrows the focus regarding anxiety and depressive disorders, making enforcement contingent on conditions that are “objectively verifiable” and tied to “compulsive usage.”
Earlier this year, Yaccarino publicly supported KOSA on behalf of X, while other tech giants like Meta and Google have been more reserved. Supporters of KOSA argue that tech lobbying poses a significant challenge. However, Republican leaders in the House have also raised concerns about moving forward with the bill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) recently expressed his love for the principle behind KOSA but found its details concerning. He noted worries about possible “unintended consequences.” Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is seen as an even tougher nut to crack regarding his views on the bill’s duty of care.
So there you have it! The Kids Online Safety Act is in quite a dance with Congress, and we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled for how this unfolds. Stay tuned for more tech updates!
