United States of America: Kids Online Safety Act 2025 (SB 1748) was introduced to United States Senate

On 14 May 2025, the Kids Online Safety Act (SB 1748) was introduced to the United States Senate. The Bill would establish a regulatory framework for “covered platforms,” defined as online platforms, applications, video games, messaging services, or streaming services that are used, or reasonably likely to be used, by individuals under the age of 17. It would impose a duty of care on such platforms to address harms to minors, including mental health risks, compulsive use, harassment, exploitation, and exposure to violent or illicit content. The Bill would mandate safety requirements such as content and communication controls, restrictions on the visibility of personal data, limitations on manipulative design features including infinite scroll and autoplay, and default-enabling of parental supervision tools. Platforms with more than 10 million monthly active users in the United States would be required to publish annual transparency reports based on independent audits. The Bill would exclude educational institutions, libraries, and certain business-to-business services. It would prohibit behavioural advertising and market research targeting children under 13, and require parental consent for such activities involving minors aged 13 to 16. Additional provisions would establish mechanisms for reporting harm, prohibit advertising of illegal products to known minors, and create the Kids Online Safety Council to advise on implementation. The Council would include child development experts, mental health professionals, civil society representatives, parents, youth delegates, and industry stakeholders. If enacted, the Act would take effect 18 months after its passage.