The U.S. Senate has recently passed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bill aimed at reducing the harmful effects of social media on children. However, this legislation has raised significant concerns within the LGBTQ+ community. With a 91-3 vote, the Senate also approved the Children’s and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act, signaling strong bipartisan support. Despite endorsements from high-profile figures, including President Joe Biden, critics argue that KOSA’s provisions could lead to overreach and censorship, particularly affecting LGBTQ+ content.
KOSA seeks to implement various online protections for children, including restrictions on harmful advertisements such as those for tobacco and gambling. Nonetheless, LGBTQ+ advocates fear the bill’s potential to limit access to essential resources. Critics argue that KOSA’s broad censorship measures could inadvertently cut off access to critical support tools, including those addressing drug addiction, mental health issues, and eating disorders.
The Risk of Over-Moderation
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden expressed concerns about future administrations potentially using KOSA to pressure companies into censoring LGBTQ+ and reproductive health information. Republican Senator Mike Lee echoed similar apprehensions, warning that the Federal Trade Commission could use the bill to suppress diverse political and religious viewpoints. Such over-moderation could disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ youth, who often rely on the internet for support and community.
Targeting LGBTQ+ Content
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, a leading sponsor of KOSA, explicitly stated her intent to curb what she described as “compulsive” internet usage, specifically targeting LGBTQ+ content. Blackburn’s remarks reflect a troubling trend of legislative efforts aimed at limiting the visibility of LGBTQ+ issues. Her legislative director, Jamie Susskind, has denied that the bill targets specific communities, but the implications remain concerning. The risk of censorship is so pronounced that multiple LGBTQ+ organizations have voiced their opposition.
Opposition from Advocacy Groups
In 2022, a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations sent a letter to senators highlighting the potential dangers of KOSA. They argued that while the bill aims to prevent harassment and mental health trauma, it could have unintended harmful consequences for young people, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also criticized the bill, emphasizing that it poses significant threats to First Amendment rights. The ACLU underscored the importance of protecting children but argued that KOSA’s revised version still endangers free speech.
