KOSA and COPPA 2.0 Poised to Reshape Children’s Online World
Bipartisan Support and White House Backing Signal a Watershed Moment for Child Rights by Design in the Tech Industry
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and COPPA 2.0 have cleared a critical procedural hurdle with an overwhelming 86–1 vote, setting the stage for a final decision next week. This bipartisan support demonstrates the growing consensus on protecting children in the digital space.
In a significant move, the Biden administration has thrown its full support behind these bills. The White House emphasized their potential to “hold Big Tech accountable,” urging lawmakers to send the legislation to President Biden’s desk “without delay.”
Moreover, the passage of these bills would represent a significant step forward for the Child Rights by Design (CRbD) movement. CRbD advocates for embedding children’s rights into the design and development of digital products and services from the outset. These new laws would reinforce the principles of CRbD, pushing companies to prioritize children’s rights and wellbeing in their digital offerings.
Staying informed and prepared for these changes is crucial for anyone involved in digital spaces, child advocacy, or tech policy. The passage of these bills could have far-reaching effects on how we approach online safety for our youngest internet users and how we design digital and AI experiences with children’s rights at the forefront.
As we await the final vote, it’s clear that the conversation around children’s digital well-being is gaining momentum at the highest levels of government. This presents challenges and opportunities for creating a safer, more rights-respecting online environment for our children.
