The debate over the Kids Online Safety Act is heating up as Big Tech companies, including Meta and Alphabet, have poured nearly $90 million into lobbying efforts aimed at preventing the bill’s passage. The bill, which seeks to protect children and teens from the harmful effects of social media, has faced fierce resistance from tech giants who fear that the “duty of care” provision will hold them accountable for the damage done to young users.
The bill, crafted by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), seeks to impose legal obligations on social media companies to safeguard minors from issues like bullying, addiction, and exploitation. The proposed legislation has sparked major lobbying efforts from Big Tech companies, including Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and Alphabet, which owns Google and YouTube. These companies have spent millions to influence lawmakers and prevent the bill from advancing in the House of Representatives.
The lobbying campaign has targeted both the left and the right, attempting to create a wedge between conservatives and progressives by framing the bill as a threat to free speech. Progressive lawmakers are concerned that the bill could lead to the censorship of LGBTQ content, while conservatives fear it could result in the suppression of pro-life views. This strategy of using divisive cultural issues to stall the bill has been widely criticized by advocates who argue that children’s safety should be the primary concern.
In addition to the lobbying by Big Tech, non-tech companies like News Corp have also worked to influence the debate. News Corp has reportedly spent millions on efforts to oppose the bill, further complicating the discussion. Meta, in particular, has proposed an alternative approach in which parental consent would be required for teens under 16 to download apps, shifting the responsibility for child safety away from the companies.
The bill’s opponents, particularly conservatives, have expressed concern that the bill would give the FTC too much power to regulate online content, potentially leading to the censorship of conservative viewpoints. The House Freedom Caucus, including key figures like Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), has voiced opposition to the bill, citing these concerns.
Despite this opposition, the bill’s supporters continue to push for its passage, citing the tragic stories of parents who have lost children due to online bullying and harassment. For these families, the bill represents a vital step in protecting children from the dangers of social media.
