1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I’m writing to express my deep concern regarding the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), currently under consideration in the House. While I support efforts to protect children online, I believe this bill, as written, risks causing significant unintended harm to the very communities it aims to safeguard. KOSA’s broad “duty of care” requirement could lead platforms to over-censor content, inadvertently silencing vital resources for young people. Supportive discussions around mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, and other sensitive topics may be swept up in automated moderation systems. This would deprive vulnerable youth of access to affirming and life-saving information. Additionally, the bill’s enforcement mechanisms may compel platforms to collect more personal data to verify age and implement parental controls. This increases privacy risks for minors and could discourage platforms from serving teen users altogether, reducing the diversity of online spaces available to them. I am especially concerned about the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Keyword-based filtering and vague content standards could suppress voices that have historically relied on digital platforms for connection, advocacy, and support. Protecting children online is a noble goal, but it must be done with precision, transparency, and respect for civil liberties. I urge you to oppose KOSA in its current form and advocate for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to online safety—one that empowers youth rather than isolates them. Thank you for your time and consideration.