Tech billionaire Elon Musk has voiced his support for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bipartisan bill spearheaded by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), aimed at protecting minors online. Musk’s endorsement comes after X (formerly Twitter) collaborated with the senators to revise the legislation, addressing concerns over potential First Amendment violations.
“Protecting kids should always be priority #1,” Musk said, aligning with other prominent conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr., who urged House Republicans to pass the bill swiftly. “We can protect free speech and our kids at the same time from Big Tech. It’s time for House Republicans to pass the Kids Online Safety Act ASAP,” Trump Jr. posted on X.
The updated bill would require tech companies to shield children from harmful content and addictive features, while ensuring state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cannot use the law to challenge free speech. The legislation mandates a “duty of care” to protect minors from content promoting suicide, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and eating disorders. It has garnered support from mental health advocates, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Despite overwhelming bipartisan Senate support (91-3) in July, House GOP leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) have raised concerns about free speech implications. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) also remains opposed, warning the bill threatens First Amendment rights.
Blackburn and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) are leading efforts to push the bill forward, with a press conference scheduled to rally support. “Every day that goes by without KOSA passing, more children are dying,” Blackburn stated, emphasizing the bill’s urgency.
If passed, KOSA would mark the first federal legislation protecting children online since 1998. President Joe Biden has signaled he would sign the bill into law, but whether House Republicans will support the measure before Congress adjourns remains uncertain.
