"Progressing Legislation, Derided as 'Feeble Gasemitter,' Restricts Youth Access to Social Media Platforms"
A bipartisan bill, titled the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), cleared its first hurdle in the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. The bill, advocated by senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), aims to restrict youngsters under 13 from using social media and penalizes schools that fail to block these platforms. Despite widespread opposition and powerful tech lobbying groups, the bill received approval.
Critics like Fight for the Future, a nonprofit committed to advocating for online free expression, called the bill a "pathetic fart." They argue that KOSMA threatens youth-led organizing and access to information, particularly for marginalized voices. The bill requires social media platforms to delete the accounts of users under 13 and prohibits them from creating new accounts. Additionally, platforms will be banned from using personalized recommendation algorithms to deliver content to users under 17. Schools could also lose critical technology funding if they fail to block social media platforms on school-issued devices and networks.
The debate surrounding the bill is filled with both pros and cons. Proponents claim that KOSMA protects children, allowing parents more control over their children's online activities. They also argue that social media platforms already comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which bans users under 13. However, critics fear that the bill infringes on free speech and privacy rights of minors, restricting their access to age-appropriate content.
KOSMA has been faced with legal challenges too. Several states have passed laws requiring age verification for social media, but NetChoice, a group representing tech companies, has sued to block these laws. The courts have issued injunctions preventing these laws from taking effect.
Despite the controversy, some groups, like those representing pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and teachers, have supported the bill. Others, such as civil liberties and conservative organizations, have expressed opposition. The debate over KOSMA shows the complexities of balancing online safety, privacy, and freedom of speech, leaving the future of the bill unclear.
The tech industry is worried about the potential impacts of KOSMA on the future of technology, as it could set a precedent for stricter regulations. The bill could also limit personalized learning experiences for students under 17, as platforms would be prohibited from using recommendation algorithms.
