The U.S. Senate has passed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). These bills aim to enhance online safety for minors, marking the first major legislative moves in this area in over two decades.
The Kids Online Safety Act mandates that online platforms take "reasonable" steps to safeguard children from harms such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, drug promotion, and eating disorders. The bill also requires platforms to provide options for minors to protect their personal information, disable addictive features, and opt out of personalized recommendations. Critics, however, fear it may restrict access to important content for marginalized communities. COPPA 2.0 extends privacy protections to users under 17 and bans targeted advertising to this age group. The House will review the bills next, with President Biden indicating support.
A legal obligation requiring companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Suggestions made by platforms based on users’ data to enhance engagement.
Understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial for those entering the tech industry. KOSA and COPPA 2.0 highlight the increasing emphasis on user safety and data privacy, areas likely to influence future job roles and responsibilities.
Small businesses using digital platforms need to be aware of these changes, as they may affect marketing strategies and user engagement practices. Ensuring compliance with new regulations will be vital to avoid potential legal issues and maintain customer trust.
