I am writing as a concerned citizen to express my opposition to the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Recent analysis by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has highlighted significant concerns regarding this bill, which I share.
While the intent to protect minors online is commendable, KOSA, in its current form, presents a threat to free speech and privacy for all internet users. The bill mandates sweeping content filtering and blocking on websites, apps, and online platforms, a move that can lead to broad censorship of legal speech.
Recent amendments to KOSA, such as the tightened knowledge standard requiring actual knowledge of minors using the service for liability, do not adequately address these concerns. The bill still regulates virtually the entire internet that isn’t age-gated, maintaining its fundamental issues related to censorship.
Additionally, the amendment from Sen. John Thune, which pushes for a chronological feed on larger platforms without using user data, could stifle the editorial independence of web publishers. This approach lacks evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving content consumption and raises concerns about undue political influence on online content.
While KOSA addresses targeted advertising, requiring disclosures about why minors are targeted with specific ads, this measure alone is insufficient for comprehensive privacy protection. The broader implications of KOSA suggest a move towards extensive censorship, which I believe is not the solution to ensuring online safety for minors.
In light of these concerns, I urge you to reconsider support for KOSA. The protection of our children online is of utmost importance, but it should not come at the cost of infringing on the fundamental rights of all internet users.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I trust that you will consider these concerns and advocate for a balanced approach that ensures both online safety and the preservation of our cherished freedoms.
