Mark Zuckerberg and Meta scored a major victory as Congress failed to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). With significant lobbying efforts and House Speaker Mike Johnson’s intervention, Meta has avoided new regulations that could have reshaped social media’s responsibilities in safeguarding children online.
Meta’s Victory Over KOSA
Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, successfully lobbied against the Kids Online Safety Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at regulating social media platforms to protect children from mental health and addiction risks. Despite widespread support, including a 91-3 Senate vote, the bill failed to pass, thanks in part to Speaker Mike Johnson’s concerns about its impact on free speech.
Lobbying and GOP Influence
Meta utilized extensive lobbying efforts, employing 14 in-house lobbyists and additional outside firms. These lobbyists included former GOP aides, such as Greg Maurer and Christopher Herndon, who helped align Meta’s position with Republican lawmakers. Meta also relied on NetChoice, an advocacy group, to frame KOSA as a threat to free speech, particularly conservative voices.
Key Political Maneuvers
Meta’s strategy included acts of contrition, like Zuckerberg’s apology for Facebook’s past censorship, and financial contributions to Republican campaigns. Notably, Meta donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural committee and supported GOP leaders like Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise.
Concerns About Free Speech
Critics of KOSA, including NetChoice and the ACLU, argued the bill risked empowering regulators to censor content. Speaker Johnson echoed these concerns, citing potential threats to conservative and religious voices. Johnson’s decision to block the bill ensures that future legislation on online safety will likely have a narrower scope.
Revisions and Opposition
Despite repeated revisions to address free speech issues, KOSA faced pushback from both sides of the aisle. Sponsors Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) adjusted the bill multiple times, limiting its scope to physical harms and personalized features. However, NetChoice and other critics remained staunchly opposed.
Meta’s Broader Investments
Beyond lobbying, Meta is investing heavily in infrastructure, including a $10 billion data center in Louisiana. This investment reflects Meta’s focus on strengthening ties with local governments and bolstering its AI capabilities. The project, supported by Louisiana’s Republican leadership, highlights Meta’s ability to align business interests with political objectives.
Future of Online Safety Legislation
While KOSA’s failure represents a setback for its advocates, Speaker Johnson has pledged to pursue alternative legislation next year. Advocates fear that any new proposals may lack the strength of KOSA, potentially leaving gaps in protections for children online.
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