Tech CEO hearing reignites debate around kids safety bill

A bipartisan kids online safety bill making its way through the Senate is under fire from a coalition of tech advocacy and human rights groups that argue the legislation could limit access to critical information for children and teens online.

A heated hearing with the CEOs of major social media companies last week reinvigorated the debate over the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The measure would regulate the type of content companies can show minors online and grant the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general power to enforce the rules.

While internet safety advocates tout the bill as a way to limit kids’ exposure to harmful content, such as posts promoting self-harm or eating disorders, other groups have warned the legislation could limit access to information about gender identity, sexuality and reproductive health for young people.