Speaker Johnson says ‘still some concern’ about Elon Musk-backed online safety bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed lingering doubts about the Children’s Online Safety Act (KOSA) that received support from tech mogul Elon Musk over the weekend. During his weekly press conference, Johnson raised concerns about potential implications for free speech and censorship, particularly targeting conservative voices.
The KOSA, a significant social media reform passed by the Senate with an overwhelming 91 to 3 vote, has faced obstacles in the House of Representatives. Johnson and other leaders have highlighted worries about government censorship and the extensive authority granted to the Federal Trade Commission under the bill.
Elon Musk’s social media platform X, led by CEO Linda Yaccarino, announced efforts to address these concerns by collaborating with the bill’s Senate sponsors. Yaccarino emphasized the importance of protecting minors online while safeguarding freedom of speech. Musk and other allies of President-elect Donald Trump, including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders and Donald Trump Jr., advocated for the swift passage of the KOSA.
Despite acknowledging the positive intentions behind the legislation, Johnson stressed the necessity of striking a balance between online safety and free speech rights. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing work and support for the bill, indicating a potential revival of the effort in the upcoming congressional term.
Senators Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who led the legislation in the Senate, commended Musk and Yaccarino for their contributions to refining the bill. They noted that the revisions aimed to dispel misconceptions about potential censorship and underscored the overwhelming bipartisan support for the KOSA.
The Children’s Online Safety Act aims to hold social media companies accountable for protecting minors from harm online. It includes measures to prevent addictive features, enhance privacy protections for minors, and promote a safer online environment for young users.
As the debate surrounding the KOSA continues, stakeholders remain optimistic about the bill’s prospects for passage. With the support of key figures like Musk and bipartisan cooperation, the push for online safety reform remains a top priority for Congress. Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is closely monitoring developments related to the KOSA and its potential impact on online safety regulations.
