As a passionate advocate for free speech in the digital age and recipient of the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award, my journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to defending our constitutional freedoms for younger students on campus, at universities, and online in the digital realm. As discussions intensify around the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), currently being considered in Congress, we must approach this issue carefully to maintain a balance between protecting our children and preserving their right to move and learn freely online.
During my time at the University of Kentucky, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of open discussion and unfettered access to information. These principles are not just ideals, but essential components of a vibrant, thriving democracy—one that values the exchange of ideas and respects diverse viewpoints, even those that challenge established norms.
KOSA proposes important measures to improve children’s online safety, a goal that is dear to the hearts of all responsible parents and educators. However, the manner in which this legislation seeks to achieve its goals raises critical concerns. By giving significant regulatory powers to government officials and bureaucratic bodies such as Lina Khan and the Attorneys General, KOSA risks transforming the Internet from a bastion of free expression into a heavily monitored and censored space.
As someone who has fought to expand free speech protections on campus, I understand the delicate balance needed to empower parents without violating individual rights. Technology companies must provide helpful tools that help parents monitor and manage their children’s online activity, but we must tread carefully to avoid a scenario in which well-intentioned measures inadvertently lead to overreach and censorship.
Moreover, the potential consequences of KOSA go beyond parental control and include broader implications for digital privacy and the free flow of information. Increased government control threatens not only the autonomy of families, but also the very foundation of online discourse – a discourse that thrives on openness, diversity of thought, and the unfettered pursuit of knowledge.
By passing the KOSA Act, lawmakers risk legitimizing a form of online surveillance that could undermine the privacy of children and adults alike. Such measures could pave the way for widespread monitoring of user activity under the guise of child protection, setting a disturbing and upsetting precedent that threatens our fundamental rights to privacy and free speech as Americans.
In the current political climate, where every legislative victory has profound consequences, passage of KOSA in an election year would be a legislative victory for President Biden and the Democrats. But for those of us who value individual liberties and limited government intervention, it is imperative to critically examine whether supporting such legislation is consistent with our broader principles.
As we have these difficult, complex discussions, it is imperative that we reiterate that responsibility for children’s online experiences rightfully rests with parents and guardians – not government bureaucrats. To promote a healthy online environment, it is paramount to provide families with the tools and resources they need to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
While protecting our children online is an essential and shared responsibility, it must never come at the expense of our constitutional freedoms. Let’s advocate for solutions that empower parents, promote digital literacy, and protect everyone’s right to open dialogue online. Our children deserve an Internet that encourages their curiosity and growth, guided by the principles of liberty and respect for diverse perspectives. Let’s stand together against any legislation that threatens to censor free speech and endangers our cherished freedoms in the digital age.
Michael Frazier is the executive director of the Kentucky Students Rights Coalition.
