On May 14, 2025, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), SB 1748, was reintroduced for the fourth time by original sponsor Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Thune (R-SD), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). First introduced in 2022, and then again in 2023 and 2024, KOSA imposes a duty of care on online platforms (including online gaming, messaging applications, and video streaming services) to minimize harms to minors. The history of various iterations of KOSA is of interest as it reflects the ongoing debate about platform obligations and First Amendment rights of platforms and consumers. As originally introduced, KOSA mandated that platforms “prevent and mitigate the heightened risks of physical, emotional, developmental, or material harms to minors posed by materials on, or engagement with, the platform.” Business associations, members of Congress, and privacy advocates expressed concern that this standard would violate the First Amendment. Despite subsequent amendments, KOSA’s “duty of care” provisions remain controversial, with business groups, members of Congress, and privacy advocates again expressing concern over the standard’s constitutionality.
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