A package of child safety bills has been advanced to the House floor, following a lengthy session that revealed divisions between Democrats and Republicans. The bills in question include the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, Sammy’s Law, and the App Store Accountability Act, which would require app stores to introduce age verification, also known as age-gating, at the app store.
The KIDS Act, sponsored by Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), combines several child safety laws, including a version of the latest House Republican update to the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) without the “duty of care” provision central to the Senate’s proposal. The App Store Accountability Act would specifically target app stores, requiring them to verify the age of users before allowing them to download certain apps.
The advancement of these bills could have significant implications for online safety, particularly for children. As the bills head to the House floor, it remains to be seen how they will be received and whether they will become law. If passed, the laws could lead to significant changes in the way app stores operate and how they protect their youngest users.
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