The Shadowy Fight Against Kids’ Online Safety
Issue #108
When was the last time something truly bipartisan came along? These days, it feels like agreement is rare, so when nearly everyone aligns on an issue, it’s a relief. Take protecting kids online: surely we can all agree that it’s worth prioritizing their safety. Or can we?
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) seemed to be that rare point of unity. It represents the first major legislative update to kids’ online safety since the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was enacted over two decades ago. At its core, KOSA proposes a “duty of care” for platforms, requiring them to act in children’s best interests and mitigate risks like addiction, exploitation and exposure to harmful content. If passed, this bill could fundamentally shift how platforms operate—forcing them to prioritize safety over engagement.
Yet Big Tech isn’t on board. Organizations like Meta and Alphabet, Google’s parent company, are investing huge sums of money to snarl up this legislation. According to a recent Wall Street Journal investigation, these companies are using a divisive strategy to dismantle KOSA’s bipartisan support. And, their lobbying efforts are tapping into “culture war” flashpoints, tailoring their arguments to exploit ideological divides. To liberal lawmakers, they argue that KOSA could lead to censorship of LGBTQ+ content, framing it as a threat to queer youth. To conservative lawmakers, they warn it could stifle anti-abortion messaging, painting it as a slippery slope toward ideological suppression.
This playbook of pitting sides against each other appears to be working. Despite its near-unanimous approval in the Senate, KOSA has stalled in the House—a rare outcome for a bill that initially seemed poised for swift passage. And, this delay might not have happened by chance. According to advocacy group Issue One, Big Tech has poured record amounts into lobbying this year. Their goal? To protect the status quo—an internet where platforms prioritize growth and profits over safeguarding young users.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. We know how platform design impacts children’s well-being. Algorithms amplify harmful content. Dark patterns keep kids scrolling. Lax moderation allows predators to exploit young users. Every day that passes with this status quo means more children are exposed to these dangers.
So, what does this mean for parents? It means that some of the most powerful companies in the world are working against child online safety. It’s a reminder that we can’t hold our breath for legislation to keep our kids safe. And while KOSA isn’t perfect legislation, it represents a step toward a safer internet for kids. The roadblocks highlight how far we have to go and how fiercely Big Tech will push back against any effort to rein in its power. As a parent and a tech professional, I believe we should prioritize our kids’ safety, but Big Tech may be fighting against that in the shadows. They’d be well served to remember that protecting kids online isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a moral one. And it’s one we can’t afford to lose.
A deeper dive
Here are a few helpful resources in case you want to really dig into today's topic:
The cynicism involved in Big Tech lobbying is palpable. According to the Wall Street Journal, as lawmakers geared up to regulate social media in 2022, Meta approached it as a messaging problem. Executives brainstormed ways to counter critics, and that’s how they landed on concerns for LGBTQ minors, arguing regulation could harm their free expression. They then pitched this narrative to advocacy groups. Rather than addressing accountability, Meta reframed the debate to shield their interests, a move that seems more about deflection than genuine care for vulnerable communities.
While the tech sector used to shy away from politics, lobbying now plays a significant role across the industry, as companies work to influence government policies on issues like data privacy, antitrust regulations and intellectual property. If you’re curious about the scope of the issue, this article from the New Yorker does a good job of outlining some of the most interesting examples of lobbying—from crypto companies to Airbnb.
TL;DR
Too long; didn't read. It shouldn't be a full-time job to keep up on industry news, so here is a mercifully quick summary of some other notable developments:
There’s more pressure on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to block younger kids from using their apps. The big question? How to actually check a user's age online. It’s sparked a lot of debate about privacy and how these rules will work in real life. Meta supports shifting the responsibility to app stores like Apple and Google. A new bill could make app stores accountable if kids access harmful content, allowing parents to sue. To avoid liability, stores would need to enforce age checks and offer parental controls. While I rarely agree with Meta, app stores managing age verification seems like the most practical way forward for protecting kids effectively.
Australia has passed a strict new law banning kids under 16 from using platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, citing concerns over social media’s impact on youth. The legislation has broad political support and is seen as a bold step in protecting children online, but critics argue it oversimplifies the issue and could lead to unintended consequences. While perhaps well-intentioned, the law raises questions about enforcement and whether it truly addresses the root causes of harm.
And lastly
Here are a few more pieces of original writing from me and my team—just in case you're keen for more:
‘Tis the gifting season, and I know many parents are planning on getting their kids a new tablet. If you’re planning on going for a Samsung Galaxy tablet, this guide here will help you get set up.
And, if you’re headed in the smartwatch direction, here’s a handy list of pros and cons to consider. Happy gifting!