Elon Musk's X Backs Kids Online Safety Act Amid Free Speech Debate in Congress

Dec 9, 2024, 07:58 PM

Elon Musk's X social media service and key US senators have agreed on the wording of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S.1409, aiming to protect children from bullying and exploitation online, according to X CEO Linda Yaccarino. Momentum is building in Washington to pass KOSA this month, with calls from several figures, including Donald Trump Jr. and Senator Marsha Blackburn, urging House Republicans to pass the bill. Senator Blackburn stated, "No one understands protecting free speech in the virtual space like Elon Musk," highlighting his support for the legislation. The Act has faced opposition from free speech advocates, such as Senator Rand Paul and organizations like TheFIRE.org, who express concerns that KOSA could threaten First Amendment rights by imposing government censorship and replacing parental control with bureaucratic oversight. Additionally, Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar introduced the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images, including AI-generated content, and has been unanimously passed by the Senate. Opponents of KOSA, including Justin Amash and advocacy groups, argue that the bill poses a threat to free speech and parental rights.