The Kids Online Safety Act

The Kids Online Safety Act S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act 119th Congress (2025-2026) | Get alerts BILL | Hide Overview Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN] (introduced 05/14/2025) Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation Latest Action: 05/14/2025 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. CR S2529-2930) (All Actions) Tracker: Introduced -> Passed Senate -> Passed House -> To President -> Became Law Source: Congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text THE KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ALSO KNOWN AS KOSA, IS A BILL CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED BY CONGRESS. IT WOULD REQUIRE SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTHER ONLINE SERVICES TO ADD STRICT PROTECTION FOR USERS Users aged 17 and under make up approximately 14% to 20% of TikTok's total user base. While demographics fluctuate slightly depending on the region and the specific method of measurement, broader age breakdowns provide a clear picture of the platform's user base. Under 18 (global): Teens and children make up around 14% to 15% of the platform's worldwide user base. AND OTHER ONLINE SERVICES TO ADD STRICT PROTECTION FOR USERS UNDER 17. Source: Congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text There is one summary for S.1748. Bill summaries are authored by CRS. Shown Here: Introduced in Senate (05/14/2025) Kids Online Safety Act This bill requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. Covered platforms are online platforms, video games, messaging applications, or video streaming services used or likely to be used by individuals under the age of 17, with specified exceptions. The bill generally requires covered platforms to exercise reasonable care in the design and use of features that increase minors' online activity in order to prevent and mitigate harm to minors (e.g., mental health disorders and severe harassment). Covered platforms are also required to provide certain safeguards to minors, such as protections for minors' data; tools for parents of minors, such as access to minors' privacy settings; and a mechanism for account holders and visitors to report harm to minors on the platform. Covered platforms are prohibited from conducting market or product research on children under the age of 13, and may only conduct such research on those under the age of 17 with parental consent. The bill provides for enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission and states. THE BILL WOULD REQUIRE COMPANIES TO Source: Congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text One thing I neglected to mention in the original script is that a lot people are mad because the broad legal language used on the bill, companies would start taking action against things that could be seen as a legal risk with this bill (even extending as far as LGBTQ). REASONABLE STEPS REASONABLE STEPS TO PREVENT HARM Source: Congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text The bill requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. Covered platforms are online platforms, video games, messaging applications, or video streaming services used or likely to be used by individuals under the age of 17, with specified exceptions. The bill generally requires covered platforms to exercise reasonable care in the design and use of features that increase minors' online activity in order to prevent and mitigate harm to minors (e.g., mental health disorders and severe harassment). Covered platforms are also required to provide certain safeguards to minors, such as protections for minors' data; tools for parents of minors, such as access to minors' privacy settings; and a mechanism for account holders and visitors to report harm to minors on the platform. Covered platforms are prohibited from conducting market or product research on children under the age of 13, and may only conduct such research on those under the age of 17 with parental consent. The bill provides for enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission and states. BRING SOME PRIVACY PROTECTIONS. THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES ONLINE PLATFORMS TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS BEFORE USING ALGORITHMS THAT SELECT, ORDER, OR PRIORITIZE INFORMATION PRESENTED TO USERS BASED ON USER-SPECIFIC DATA NOT PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SPECIFICALLY, SUCH PLATFORMS MUST (1) PROVIDE USERS WITH NOTICE OF THE USE OF SUCH ALGORITHMS, AND (2) PERMIT USERS TO SWITCH TO AN ALGORITHM THAT DOES NOT RELY ON SUCH USER- GIVE PARENTS MORE TOOLS TO MANAGE THEIR CHILDREN'S ACCOUNTS. AND ALLOW USERS TO TURN OFF CERTAIN PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATION ALGORITHMS.