Despite broad Senate support, KOSPA faces criticism from various quarters. The American Civil Liberties Union and industry groups such as Netchoice argue that the bill may infringe on free speech rights. The bill’s journey to becoming law remains uncertain, especially with its pending review in the House.
The virtual reality (VR) sector, which has been increasingly concerned about child safety due to the immersive nature of its technology, offers a more nuanced reaction. Yonatan Raz-Friedman, from Supersocial, Inc., which develops experiences for children on Roblox, has suggested that lawmakers might need to further refine the bill. He expressed hope that the House will not only pass the Senate’s version but will also continue evolving the legal framework to better protect children online.
Raz-Friedman highlighted the significant damage caused by social media in recent years and warned that safety and privacy challenges in the metaverse could be even greater.
Industry reactions to KOSPA’s Senate approval reveal a mixed sentiment. At Meta, spokesperson Stephanie Otway endorsed age-appropriate online standards for teens but advocated for a regulatory shift that would place the responsibility for child safety on app stores, rather than directly on VR platforms. Meta’s stance reflects its broader push for Congress to regulate app stores, shifting the burden of child protection to competitors like Apple.
Liz Hyman, President and CEO of the XR Association—which represents major VR players including Google, Microsoft, and Meta—provided a cautious response. While not explicitly endorsing KOSPA, she emphasized the association’s commitment to creating safe online environments and expressed a willingness to collaborate as the legislation progresses.
Roblox, a major player at the intersection of child safety and metaverse development, might face heightened scrutiny if KOSPA is enacted. Roblox’s VP of Public Policy, Nicky Jackson Colaco, expressed support for the bill’s intent but suggested that some requirements could be challenging. The company looks forward to working with Congress to ensure that the legislation balances child safety with data minimization principles and supports platforms of all sizes.
Looking ahead, the House has yet to schedule a committee hearing for its version of the bill, though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated a commitment to finding consensus on the matter.
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