1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) cannot become a tool for widespread censorship on the internet. As someone who has witnessed the evolution of the internet, the risks this bill poses to free expression and access to information online are concerning. While well-intentioned in aiming to protect children, KOSA's broad provisions could have severe unintended consequences. Requiring age verification would undermine online privacy and anonymity, chilling free speech for adults and youth alike. The vague "duty of care" requirements incentivize overzealous content moderation by platforms fearful of legal liability. This could lead to the suppression of vital resources and information that minors need. The internet has transformed from a space of whimsy into a platform deeply intertwined with our daily lives and access to knowledge. We cannot allow it to devolve into a dystopian censorship regime akin to a "Black Mirror" episode. Protecting children is crucial, but not at the cost of dismantling core democratic values like free expression. Congress must continue revising KOSA to uphold First Amendment rights and avoid enabling a new era of online censorship. The health of our open internet and civil liberties depends on striking the right balance.