Maryland Anthony G. Brown joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general opposing the federal Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, also known as the KIDS Act, arguing the legislation would weaken states’ ability to protect children online while shielding major technology companies from accountability.
The coalition said the bill would broadly preempt state laws related to online harms affecting minors, including issues involving social media, obscenity, gaming platforms, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
Brown and the coalition instead voiced support for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, known as KOSA, which includes a “Duty of Care” provision requiring online platforms to act in the best interests of minors. According to the coalition, the Senate bill would also preserve states’ authority to enforce stronger protections for children and teens online.
The letter comes as attorneys general nationwide continue investigations and litigation involving major social media companies including Meta and TikTok over allegations their platforms target and harm underage users. The bipartisan letter was sent to congressional leaders including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
