Mia Ntep
There’s no question that we as a society have a duty to protect our children online. I commend Congress for its efforts to understand and act on the importance of this responsibility. However, the well-intentioned but badly written provisions of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) can be used to violate the civil rights of vulnerable populations, including the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking reproductive health care. There is a gender. With these potential consequences in mind, KOSA cannot continue without substantial changes.
Thankfully, Congressmen on both sides of the aisle; expressed serious concerns Regarding the potential impact on civil liberties. Their concerns are rooted in the fact that the law imposes a “duty of care” on social media companies to regulate content. And the bill does not clearly define what is considered “harmful to minors” on online platforms, leaving the door open for partisan abuse. Such a broad and unclear delegation of authority is legitimate. drew the ire of parliamentarianslike U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Jay Obanorte (R-Calif.), which passed the Energy and Commerce Committee. They argued that it could lead to excessive moderation by social platforms seeking to avoid legal battles with the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.
Unfortunately, the excessive moderation promoted by KOSA will target vulnerable communities. Given the actions of the right-wing attorney general, who under KOSA would gain new powers to sue alongside restrictive state laws, it is important to note that content created by the LGBTQ+ community and for those seeking reproductive health care should be Resources are likely to be affected.
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As a lifelong advocate and advocate for marginalized groups, I understand the consequences this can have on these communities. That’s why I traveled to Washington, D.C., last month to meet with members of Congress and highlight the risks associated with this bill. I’m not alone. thousands of young people express their concerns About being forced to face restricted access to content. In their words, social platforms are a haven, especially for LGBTQ+ youth, who often face bullying and harassment at school. For them, online space is Access resources and information, find support and communitycould be prove lifesaving For those who may not be able to get it elsewhere.
The same concerns have been expressed by those seeking reproductive health care, especially in the wake of the Roe v. Wade reversal. of Abortion will be criminalized in 21 states Women are at risk and often search for resources online, especially when they need to travel out of state to receive care. But if KOSA passes, countries that restrict these freedoms could use it as a weapon to restrict access to online resources and censor information that could mean the difference between life and death.
I have spent my career building a society rooted in liberation, where all people can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. In order to continue that work, I must advocate against Kosa in its current form. I am deeply concerned that the passage of KOSA will limit access to the online resources that marginalized communities rely on. Congress needs to seriously consider this bill and go back to the drawing board.
Mia Ntep is a civil rights activist and policy director for the Denver chapter of the NAACP.
