Big Tech’s relentless lobbying campaign to block the Kids Online Safety Act has reached a new high, with nearly $90 million spent over the past three years. The bill, designed to hold social media companies accountable for the safety of children and teens on their platforms, is now at the center of a fierce battle between lawmakers and tech giants like Meta and Alphabet.
The primary point of contention is the bill’s “duty of care” provision, which would make social media platforms legally liable for the harm caused to young users. Big Tech is opposed to this provision, fearing that it will expose them to lawsuits and force them to take more responsibility for their platforms’ effects on minors.
To stop the bill, Big Tech has used a well-funded lobbying campaign to sow discord among lawmakers. Progressives have been warned that the bill could lead to censorship of LGBTQ+ content, while conservatives are being told it could result in the suppression of anti-abortion views. This divide-and-conquer strategy is designed to create enough confusion to block the bill from gaining traction in the House.
In response to the bill, Meta has suggested shifting responsibility from the companies to parents, advocating for a system where parental consent is required before teens under 16 can download certain apps. This proposal would reduce the liability for social media companies while shifting the burden to families.
Despite these efforts, there is growing support for the bill, especially among parents who have experienced the tragic consequences of social media addiction and online bullying. The bill’s proponents argue that children’s safety should not be sacrificed for the interests of Big Tech.
As the lobbying efforts intensify, it’s clear that the stakes are high for both sides. Big Tech is determined to protect its profits, while lawmakers and parents fight for the safety and well-being of children online.
