Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is taking a significant step in safeguarding children from the perils of social media and online platforms. She has sent a letter to Congressional leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for the passage of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Under this proposed legislation, a "duty of care" would be imposed on online sites and apps used by minors. This legal requirement would compel companies to take reasonable measures to prevent and mitigate harm faced by children, such as bullying, eating disorders, sexual exploitation, and more. Social media companies would also be obligated to provide children with the means to protect their identity, disable certain features, and opt out of algorithms.

Governor's Concerns and Rationale

Governor Sanders has witnessed firsthand the alarming rise in mental illness among her children's generation. The increase in depression and suicide rates among teens is a clear indication of the negative impact of unrestricted access to smartphones and social media. In her letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, she firmly states that big tech companies are aware of the harm caused by their algorithms but have failed to take adequate action. She believes that it is now the time for lawmakers to intervene and address this critical issue.The Kids Online Safety Act is seen as a crucial step in the right direction. It aims to preserve free speech rights on the internet while also ensuring the safety and well-being of children. The bill has already received near unanimous support in the U.S. Senate, highlighting its significance and broad-based consensus.

Opposing Views and Concerns

Despite the support for the bill, there are opponents who raise valid concerns. The Electronic Frontier Foundation describes KOSA as a "dangerous and unconstitutional censorship bill," arguing that it would give state officials the power to target services and online content they do not like. There is also a fear among some platforms that they could be sued for content that may be deemed "politically divisive." These concerns highlight the complex nature of the issue and the need for careful consideration and balancing of different interests.

Progress and Next Steps

The proposed law was introduced by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and is currently awaiting progress in the U.S. House. President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk. The fight for the safety of children in the digital age continues, and the passage of KOSA could play a crucial role in shaping the future of online safety for minors.You can access Governor Sanders' full letter by clicking here. The attached video from a Feb. 2024 Senate hearing on child safety on social media provides further insights into this important issue.