A landmark bill that would hold Big Tech firms like Meta responsible for online child safety has hit a roadblock in the Senate – and critics are pointing the finger at Majority Leader Chuck Schumer .The bill has 69 cosponsors across the political spectrum in the Senate, including Schumer and co-lead sponsors Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn . In a surprising twist, Snap, X and Microsoft broke ranks with the tech industry to say they support the measure.
Schumer has insisted KOSA is a “top priority” and sought to move the bill through unanimous consent, a fast-tracked process to pass legislation as long as no senator objects. Doing so would allow the Senate, which is running short on remaining floor time ahead of the 2024 election, to avoid a lengthier roll call vote.
“There have been productive discussions on KOSA,” a Wyden aide said. “It’s moving in the right direction. He has not yet lifted his hold.” Outside of Congress, the bill has its share of opponents, including the ACLU and the digital advocacy group Fight For The Future. The latter has described KOSA as “a dangerous censorship bill that would give the government unprecedented control over the internet.”Chamber of Progress, a Big Tech-funded trade group, argues the bill will force tech firms to “over-moderate” the internet.
Despite the remaining hurdles, the bill’s backers say they are optimistic that it will ultimately be passed. “It’s remarkable that the parents have gotten things this far,” said Josh Golin, executive director of the online advocacy group Fairplay and co-founder of ParentsSOS. “I can’t even quantify how much we’re outspent and outgunned by the tech industry.”