Kids Online Safety Act stalls in House as Speaker Johnson raises free speech concerns

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), aimed at holding social media companies accountable for cyberbullying, has stalled in the U.S. House despite strong bipartisan support in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed concerns about the bill's implications for free speech and accountability. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal criticized House leadership for delaying the bill, linking the inaction to the tragic suicide of a teenager due to social media harassment. They argue that the delay could lead to more preventable deaths. Johnson has met with KOSA advocates but remains cautious about advancing the bill. Other Republicans share concerns about its potential impact on free speech, while some groups fear it could limit online expression.