Republican Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Tighten Grasp on Tech Platforms
Republican lawmakers have introduced new legislation that could give the federal government greater control over certain tech platforms while easing scrutiny on artificial intelligence (AI). The Republican-led House Energy and Commerce Committee’s budget reconciliation bill, introduced on Tuesday, would allow the federal government to update its IT systems and utilize AI systems within the Commerce Department. Additionally, the bill proposes a decade-long moratorium on states’ ability to enforce AI regulations, aiming to foster growth and study of the American AI market.
The Trump administration has been vocal about promoting the growth of the U.S. AI industry with minimal regulations. Recently, the administration announced a deal with the United Arab Emirates to build a massive data center serving American tech companies. However, lawmakers have also introduced bills to tighten regulations on some tech companies, particularly to enhance child safety online.
Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA)
On May 8, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) reintroduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), which seeks to update the legal definition of obscenity for the internet age. IODA would broaden the definition of obscenity to include content that “appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion” and “depicts, describes or represents actual or simulated sexual acts with the objective intent to arouse, titillate, or gratify the sexual desires of a person.” The bill aims to criminalize the transmission of obscene content via telecommunications systems, even without the intent to harass or abuse.
Proponents argue that IODA will help prevent children from accessing lewd and obscene content online. However, critics express concerns that the bill’s language could lead to the prosecution of pornography under obscenity laws, potentially infringing on free speech.
Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)
The bi-partisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) was reintroduced in the Senate on Wednesday. This bill aims to hold websites accountable for hosting content harmful to children. KOSA requires social media platforms to “remove addictive product features,” provide parents with more control over their children’s online activities, and mitigate content related to topics like suicide and disordered eating. The bill also demands transparency from social media platforms regarding their efforts to protect children.
Supporters argue that KOSA will make online platforms more responsible for the content they host. Critics, however, warn that the bill could lead to increased censorship, particularly affecting LGBTQ content. The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s senior policy analyst, Joe Mullin, stated that KOSA “sets up a censorship regime disguised as a ‘duty of care'” that could suppress lawful online speech, especially among young people.
Despite concerns, updates to KOSA have addressed some criticisms, making its provisions less broad and removing attorneys’ general ability to prosecute platforms. The bill has gained backing from major figures, including Apple, President Donald Trump, and Elon Musk. Apple’s senior director of government affairs, Timothy Powderly, expressed support for KOSA, highlighting the importance of keeping children safe online while also advocating for comprehensive privacy legislation.
Critics of both bills argue that they could result in overly policed online speech. Social media consultant Matt Navarra warned that KOSA could force platforms to radically change their algorithms and data tracking practices, particularly for minors. He also noted that IODA could further restrict online content, potentially leading to over-moderation and removal of lawful speech.
The introduction of these bills reflects the ongoing debate over balancing online safety with free speech and the regulation of emerging technologies like AI.
