House Revives Kids Online Safety Bill Amid Controversy

Lawmakers are attempting to breathe new life into a leading kids online safety bill, but the compromise has sparked fierce debate. After the House blocked the Senate’s original version last year, a powerful House subcommittee has now bundled it with 18 other proposals to strengthen protections for children online. Advocates are warning, however, that changes to the bill could make it worse than doing nothing at all.

19 Bills, One Goal: Safer Internet for Kids

During a three-hour Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, lawmakers reviewed 19 bills aimed at shielding children from online harms. This legislative package includes a reworked version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the App Store Accountability Act. While KOSA originally passed the Senate 91-3, its House version removed the bill’s signature “duty of care” requirement, leaving advocates concerned about gaps in mental health protections.

Critics Call It a “Poison-Pill”

Advocates of the Senate version of KOSA are calling the House compromise a “Poison-Pill” and a “non-starter.” Key changes include broader federal preemption, which would bar states from enacting overlapping protections, and a shift toward age verification measures. Critics argue these adjustments could undermine privacy and increase government surveillance, putting children at risk despite the bill’s intent.

Opponents Have Mixed Reactions

Some longtime opponents of KOSA cautiously welcome the removal of the “duty of care” mandate, but remain wary of the bill’s new provisions. Age verification, in particular, has raised alarms about tracking and privacy violations. Lawmakers now face the challenge of balancing children’s online safety with civil liberties, a debate likely to intensify as the bill moves forward.

The Age Verification Controversy

The App Store Accountability Act, which joins KOSA in the legislative package, mandates federal age verification standards for digital platforms. While proponents say this will curb unsafe content for minors, critics warn that centralized age checks could create security risks and exacerbate digital surveillance. The tension between protection and privacy is now central to discussions on Capitol Hill.

FTC Independence Under Scrutiny

Another sticking point is the diminished independence of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the new rules. Some experts warn that limiting FTC authority could weaken oversight of tech platforms, leaving gaps in child safety protections. Lawmakers must now consider whether centralized enforcement or state-level flexibility best serves the public interest.

What’s Next for the Kids Online Safety Bill

The bill faces a precarious path forward. With strong advocacy on both sides and contentious changes to the original Senate text, its passage is far from certain. Lawmakers will need to navigate political compromises carefully, ensuring that new measures do not inadvertently harm the very children they aim to protect.