32 AGs Urge Passage of KOSA

Congress should approve the Kids Online Safety Act, attorneys general from 31 states and the District of Columbia wrote congressional leaders Monday (see 2411180046). “While an increasingly online world has improved many aspects of our material well-being, prolific internet usage negatively impacts our children—with some studies suggesting minors spend over 5 hours daily on the internet,” the letter reads. “KOSA will establish better safeguards for minors online.” This effort comes as many AG offices have launched investigations and lawsuits against social media platforms, such as Meta and TikTok, for targeting minors. The letter lists the many ways KOSA addresses threats to children online, including having the strongest safety settings on by default, the option to disable addictive product features and algorithmic recommendations and giving parents more ways of identifying harmful behaviors and report them. “The states have been consistently acting to vigorously protect kids from online dangers using their existing consumer protection authority, and we look forward to further collaboration,” the letter said. “These changes will help create a safer online environment that reduces harm to kids.” Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti (R) was the letter's lead. AGs from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and South Carolina signed it.