Digital Landscape Legislation
A new report from CITAP (and collaborators) discusses current and proposed child online safety legislation, along with the impact and the consequences of implementation.
Child Online Safety Legislation | A Primer
We are excited to share a crucial resource developed by CITAP in collaboration with the Center for Information Technology Policy at Princeton University and the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University: “Child Online Safety Legislation (COSL) - A Primer”
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so do the concerns around the safety and well-being of our youth. In response, various legislative efforts are being proposed, debated, or implemented at both federal and state levels across the United States, focusing on protecting children online. Our comprehensive primer delves into these legislative measures, examining their potential impacts and implications.
Highlights Include:
An explanation of the concerns driving the push for COSL and the proposed solutions.
A review of major international, US federal, and state legislative efforts, with a focus on the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
A discussion of the primary justifications for COSL, including mental health, sexual exploitation and abuse, eating disorders and self-harm, and social media addiction, along with an evaluation of the evidence supporting each.
An analysis of the potential negative consequences of these bills, including privacy risks, free expression limitations, and the impact on youth access to vital community resources and social connections.
We believe it is essential to approach the regulation of technology thoughtfully and comprehensively, considering both the intended benefits and the possible unintended consequences.
This primer serves as a valuable resource for academics, activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of child online safety legislation.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support in our mission to promote informed and thoughtful discourse around technology policy and its impact on society. We hope you find this primer insightful and informative.