Washington, D.C. – In a significant step toward
strengthening the digital safety of children and adolescents, the US House of
Representatives passed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a legislative
proposal that seeks to establish greater controls over digital platforms and
limit minors' access to content considered harmful.
The initiative was supported by 267 legislators, while 117
voted against it, reflecting broad support for a reform that aims to increase
the responsibility of technology companies in protecting underage users.
Among the key points of the legislation is the
implementation of age verification mechanisms to prevent minors from accessing
content intended exclusively for adults. The proposal also includes new
obligations for social media and other digital services, which will be required
to adopt stricter measures to prevent risks such as exploitation, harassment,
exposure to harmful material, and other threats that affect minors in the
digital environment.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate continues to push for legislation
that would hold digital platform companies legally liable when it is proven
that their systems, algorithms, or operating policies contributed to physical
or psychological harm to children and adolescents.
The debate surrounding this legislation has intensified in
recent years due to a growing body of research warning of the effects that
excessive social media use and exposure to certain content can have on
children's mental health and emotional development.
If passed into law, the Kids Online Safety Act would mark
one of the most significant changes in the regulation of digital platforms in
the United States, imposing stricter child protection standards and reinforcing
the obligation of technology companies to prioritize children's safety over
other commercial interests.