Issue One celebrates reintroduction of KOSA to protect kids and hold Big Tech companies accountable

In response to the reintroduction of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) in Congress by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) — with the support of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — following last year’s historic passage in the Senate, Issue One Vice President of Advocacy Alix Fraser issued the following statement:

“Our children’s lives and well-being are at risk every day that we fail to hold social media companies accountable for deliberately designing addictive and dangerous products. After the Senate took historic action last year to address the harms caused by social media, the House failed to act largely due to lobbying efforts by powerful Big Tech companies. Families are still demanding accountability from the Big Tech companies that have fueled a global youth mental health crisis in pursuit of profits. Members of this Congress must continue working together in a bipartisan manner to pass KOSA this year and create a healthier online environment. In a divided world, protecting kids is one of the few things that brings people from all sides together. History is watching, and it won’t judge this Congress kindly if they prioritize protecting Big Tech companies’ profit margins above the children that are our country’s future.”

Background:

During the last Congress, Issue One supported KOSA, which had near universal support from Americans across the political spectrum, passed in a nearly unprecedented 91-3 vote in the Senate, and received resounding support from members of President Donald Trump’s orbit. However, House leadership blocked it from advancing.