Additionally, the bill obligates platforms to default to the most protective settings, combat addictive design strategies that prolong children’s online engagement, and proactively address and rectify reports from distressed children and parents.
Urgent Plea from Parents
A heartfelt letter from the parents resounds with urgency: “American families need the Kids Online Safety Act now; we cannot delay any longer. Every day that social media remains unregulated, more children fall victim to its perils.”
Since their inaugural visit to Capitol Hill, these determined activists have engaged with numerous lawmakers, rallying support for KOSA, culminating in 47 co-sponsors. However, the bill continues to face steadfast opposition from entities like Fight for the Future and TechFreedom, a libertarian think tank. These opponents argue that KOSA could potentially jeopardize minors’ access to critical information and encroach upon their right to free speech.
“The Kids Online Safety Act is the vital legislation required to cultivate a healthier, happier, and safer internet for young people,” stated Josh Golin, the Executive Director of Fairplay. “It should not be the burden of grieving parents to convince Congress of KOSA’s dire necessity.”
Parents Share Their Stories
Among the parents poised to visit Washington on Tuesday is Kristin Bride, whose 16-year-old son, Carson, tragically took his own life in 2020 after enduring relentless bullying on now-defunct anonymous messaging apps, LMK and Yolo. Bride, in solidarity with Fairplay, recently implored the Federal Trade Commission to scrutinize the marketing and user engagement practices of another anonymous messaging app, NGL. The activists assert that NGL, launched in 2021, is beset by content moderation and safety issues and should not be directed at vulnerable minors.
