⚖️Kids Online Safety Act Returns

Author

Liam Gill
May 29, 2025

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KOSA Returns: A Major Legal Shift in Online Safety Regulation

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has been reintroduced to Congress and, if passed, would mark the most sweeping internet legislation since COPPA in 1998. The bill would require platforms to proactively prevent harm to minors, including exposure to content related to eating disorders, sexual exploitation, and self-harm. Crucially, KOSA imposes a legal “duty of care” on tech companies—meaning platforms could face lawsuits or government action if they fail to adequately shield young users. For startups, this raises the bar well beyond content moderation: compliance systems, safety-by-design principles, and age verification may become mandatory.

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Censorship Fears vs. Corporate Support

KOSA has sparked sharp debate. Civil liberties groups like the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation argue the bill opens the door to state-driven censorship and could suppress marginalized voices under the guise of protecting minors. Despite some revisions, many critics believe the bill’s “duty of care” hinges too heavily on vague or subjective definitions of harm. Yet KOSA has gained traction among major tech players—Microsoft, Snap, and Apple now support the bill—highlighting growing industry consensus around online child safety. Startups should take note: aligning early with these emerging norms may become not just best practice, but a competitive edge.

What Startups Should Watch For
For tech startups building platforms that host user-generated content or reach a young demographic, KOSA could dramatically raise compliance costs and legal exposure. Even if your platform isn’t child-focused, the legislation could still apply if minors are among your users. Key areas to monitor include:

  • Age gating and verification protocols

  • Algorithmic transparency and content filtering

  • Internal risk assessments and parental control tools
    While the bill is not yet law, its bipartisan support and corporate backing mean passage is more likely than in prior years. Smart founders will start preparing now.

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