United States of America: Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) (S 2073) failed to pass the House of Representatives in the 118th Congress

On 3 January 2025, the 188th Congress concluded without the passage of the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (S.2073) in the House of Representatives, leading to its rejection. The bill had previously passed the US Senate. The Act would have applied to digital platforms, particularly those with more than 10 million active monthly users in the US that predominantly provide community forums or user-generated content, and would have required the platforms to mitigate the risks of harm posed to minors by the materials on the platform. The Act would have imposed several obligations on digital platforms, including implementing safeguards against harms like mental health disorders, addiction-like behaviours, and online abuse, as well as preventing the promotion of harmful substances and deceptive marketing practices. The Act would have prohibited the use of dark patterns to manipulate user choices and would have mandated transparency regarding the use of opaque algorithms. The Act also would have required platforms to furnish detailed annual report, based on independent audits, assessing the risks and mitigation measures for minors.