HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. — Pennsylvania Attorney General Sunday has joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general opposing a proposed federal bill they argue would weaken states’ ability to protect children online while shielding major technology companies from accountability.
In a statement released Tuesday, Attorney General Sunday said Pennsylvania joined dozens of states in opposing the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, also known as the KIDS Act, currently pending in Congress.
According to Sunday, the proposal would broadly override state laws addressing online harms involving minors, including issues tied to social media, online obscenity, artificial intelligence chatbots and gaming platforms.
“Through ongoing discussions with students, parents, and educators, my office has heard directly about the growing challenges children face online,” Sunday said in the release.
“As part of my initiative to keep our kids safe, I joined my fellow attorneys general in opposing legislation that would weaken states’ ability to protect children online.”
Sunday also warned that artificial intelligence and digital platforms are increasingly being used by bad actors to exploit children.
“My office will continue holding those individuals and companies accountable while working every day to protect the next generation of Pennsylvanians,” he said.
The coalition instead voiced support for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, commonly known as KOSA, which includes a “duty of care” requirement directing online platforms to act in the best interests of minors while preserving state authority to enforce stronger protections.
In a letter sent to congressional leaders, attorneys general argued the KIDS Act would improperly block states from enforcing laws already aimed at protecting children online.
The coalition also criticized the proposal for what they described as weak safeguards surrounding artificial intelligence chatbots and online safety enforcement.
The opposition comes as attorneys general nationwide continue investigations and lawsuits involving major technology companies, including Meta and TikTok, over allegations their platforms harm underage users.
Last week, Attorney General Sunday released a report examining the mental health impacts of social media on teenagers, including recommendations for students, parents, schools, lawmakers and technology companies.
Pennsylvania joined more than 35 states and territories signing onto the letter, including New York, New Jersey, Ohio, California, Tennessee and Connecticut.
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