New Child Safety Laws Could Transform Gaming Industry Regulations

The U.S. Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) on Wednesday along with the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0).

As per GamesIndustry.biz, these bills — approved in a bipartisan 91-3 vote — aim to introduce stricter regulations for tech companies, with far-reaching implications for gaming platforms.

A New Era Of Online Safety

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) seeks to establish a “duty of care” for tech companies regarding children using their platforms.

See Also: Roblox Reports 13,000 Child Exploitation Cases In 2023, Details Safety Measures

This legislative effort mandates stronger protections against cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and other online harms. KOSA would also enforce stricter age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing age-inappropriate content.

“By ensuring that tech companies are held accountable, KOSA is a crucial step in making the digital world safer for our children,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal, a key advocate for the bill.

COPPA 2.0: Strengthening Privacy Protections

Building upon the 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), COPPA 2.0 introduces several pivotal changes aimed at enhancing privacy protections for minors.

The bill prohibits targeted advertising toward minors and restricts the collection of their data without explicit consent. Additionally, it grants parents and children the right to request the deletion of personal information from online platforms.

“With COPPA 2.0, we are empowering parents and protecting the privacy of our children in the digital age,” stated Senator Ed Markey, another principal supporter.

The Road Ahead

While the Senate’s approval marks a major milestone, both KOSA and COPPA 2.0 now face the challenge of passing through the House of Representatives. The House has entered its August recess early, delaying further action until it reconvenes on September 9.

The passage of these bills in the House could herald the first substantial legislative efforts to protect children online in two decades. Their approval would not only reshape the regulatory landscape for tech companies but also set a precedent for future online safety and privacy initiatives.

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