How Does KOSA Impact Schools?
If passed, KOSA would primarily impact the companies responsible for online platforms, as the bill aims to enforce a safer online experience for minors. “The bill requires social media platforms to put the well-being of children first by providing an environment that is safe by default,” Blumenthal’s website notes. This puts the onus on the platforms to protect children, meaning schools shouldn’t face major requirements or changes.
If passed, KOSA would require that privacy settings on applicable online platforms be turned on for minors as the default, making it easier for families to keep their children safe from ill-intentioned adults online.
What Is Different in the Updated KOSA Bill?
New language in the updated KOSA bill also focuses on user experience elements of online platforms, aiming to limit “addictive product features” such as endless scrolling, auto-play, certain notifications and in-game purchases.
Other changes to the legislation make it clear that it would not censor or remove content from the internet should it pass.
As a result of the updates, several critics of the original legislation “have withdrawn their opposition following updates from the bill’s sponsors they believe make it less likely to harm marginalized groups,” The Verge reports.
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