Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to protect minors online as concerns of exploitation and harm continue to mount.
Rep. Bilirakis initially introduced the bill in April 2024, which places the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in charge of overseeing and bringing enforcement actions against social media companies that fail to adequately protect minors.
The Floridian met with several Republican lawmakers who, while agreeing that children needed to be protected online, expressed skepticism about giving the federal government greater power.
Rep. Bilirakis commented in September 2024 that he was open to changes within the bill that broadened the role of parents and states, yet felt that legislation was necessary, noting that he wanted to see "legislation that will make a difference because these kids are dying, and these big cat companies are not doing a damn thing about it."
As a result, the new version of KOSA includes provisions to address these concerns, including requirements that social media companies provide controls for safety settings, time tracking, purchase limits, and compulsive usage by default, which parents can customize.
Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a Kids Online Safety Council comprised of parents, experts, platform representatives, federal agencies, state attorneys general, and youth voices to advise on implementation, among other methods to hold Big Tech accountable.
"Children and teens are constantly connected to devices, and their reality is now a blend of virtual and real-world experiences-conditions that have been proven to exacerbate isolation and negative social interactions, such as sexual abuse," the Florida Congressman said in a statement. "We've seen far too many children and teens succumb to tragedy after being exposed to dangers online. After multiple congressional hearings and whistleblower testimonies, there is widespread, bipartisan consensus that Big Tech is failing to mitigate risks, empower parents, and safeguard its youngest users. Our legislation will require them to do so."
