Are Tech Giants Blocking Legislation for Kids’ Online Safety?

Social media apps on phone screen with hand holding stylus.

Tech giants are pouring millions into lobbying efforts to derail the Kids Online Safety Act, potentially jeopardizing child protection in the digital realm.

At a Glance

Big Tech companies spent over $51 million on lobbying from January to September 2024, a 14% increase from 2023.
Meta and ByteDance were major contributors, spending $18.9 million and $8.1 million respectively.
The Kids Online Safety Act aims to protect children from online harm, including bullying and sexual exploitation.
Tech companies argue for parental consent instead of corporate responsibility.
The bill faces challenges in the House, with Speaker Mike Johnson calling it “very problematic.”

Big Tech’s Massive Lobbying Push

In a startling display of corporate muscle, tech giants have significantly ramped up their lobbying efforts against proposed legislation aimed at protecting children online. From January to September 2024, Big Tech companies invested over $51 million in lobbying, marking a 14% increase from the same period in 2023. This surge in spending comes as the industry seeks to thwart the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bill designed to safeguard young users from various online threats.

Leading the charge are Meta and ByteDance, which spent $18.9 million and $8.1 million respectively in the first nine months of 2024. These staggering figures underscore the intensity of the battle being waged in Washington. Meta’s lobbying efforts involved a team of 66 lobbyists, while ByteDance employed 53, highlighting the resources these companies are willing to commit to influencing policy.

The Kids Online Safety Act: A Contentious Battleground

At the heart of this lobbying blitz is the Kids Online Safety Act, a piece of legislation that has become a focal point of debate between child safety advocates and tech companies. The bill aims to protect children and teens from online harm, including bullying, mental health issues, addiction-like behaviors, and sexual exploitation. A key feature of KOSA is the “duty of care” provision, which would hold social media companies legally accountable for safeguarding young users.

“Social media companies are continuing to spend millions on lobbyists and lies to kill legislation that would establish responsible online safeguards that would protect the futures of our children and our democracy” Issue One Vice President of Technology Reform Alix Fraser

Big Tech’s opposition to the bill centers on the argument that responsibility should lie with parents rather than corporations. A Meta spokesperson suggested, “Federal legislation should require app stores to get parents’ approval whenever their teens under 16 download apps” Source. This stance reflects the industry’s preference for parental consent over corporate accountability.

Tactics and Challenges

The tech industry’s lobbying efforts have extended beyond direct spending. Trade associations like NetChoice and TechNet have also increased their lobbying expenditures, with NetChoice spending $550,000 and TechNet $2.1 million in the first nine months of 2024. These groups have employed sophisticated tactics, including leveraging contentious social issues to weaken bipartisan support for the bill.

“On the left and the right, they’ve tried to say whatever the cultural red flag is” Alix Fraser

The bill faces significant challenges in the House, particularly from conservative factions concerned about federal overreach and potential censorship. House Speaker Mike Johnson has called the bill “very problematic,” signaling potential roadblocks ahead. Despite these obstacles, advocates for the bill continue to push for its passage, drawing upon personal testimonies to urge lawmakers toward decisive action.

The Path Forward

As the battle over KOSA continues, the stakes for children’s online safety remain high. While tech companies have made some updates to enhance privacy for minors, they continue to resist the bill’s core elements. Advocates argue that these measures are insufficient and that comprehensive legislation is necessary to truly protect young users.

“I couldn’t protect my son, but now it’s my mission to make sure all kids are protected” Brandon Guffey

The future of the Kids Online Safety Act remains uncertain as it undergoes House deliberations. Supporters emphasize the critical importance of protecting children in the digital age, while opponents caution against potential impacts on free expression and parental rights. As the debate unfolds, the outcome will likely have far-reaching consequences for how we approach child safety in the online world.