Senate Advances Online Safety Bills

The U.S. Senate is advancing two major bipartisan bills aimed at improving online safety and privacy for children and teens. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) have received overwhelming support, with an 86-1 vote to limit debate, setting the stage for a final vote next week. These bills seek to impose strict regulations on social media platforms to prevent exposure to harmful content, ban targeted ads, and enhance parental controls. Some opposition exists, citing concerns over censorship and free speech. Despite challenges from the tech industry and free speech advocates, the bills are expected to pass in the Senate but may face hurdles in the House. The legislation marks the first significant update to online child protection laws in nearly three decades.