Zuckerberg’s Triumph: Outmaneuvering the Kids Online Safety Act

Zuckerberg’s Triumph: Outmaneuvering the Kids Online Safety Act

In 2024, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his company, Meta, emerged victorious in a legislative battle against a bipartisan group seeking to regulate online safety for children. Despite 91 senators, President-elect Trump’s son, and Elon Musk supporting the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), Zuckerberg and Meta successfully prevented its passage, thanks in large part to the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Meta’s Lobbying Efforts

Meta’s opposition to KOSA was spearheaded by a team of 14 in-house lobbyists and external firms. These advocates included former aides to Republican House members, who leveraged their relationships to influence the outcome. Meta also relied on the advocacy group NetChoice, which targeted Republican concerns about free speech.

Political Reparations and Contributions

Zuckerberg’s previous apology for censoring government-critical posts on Facebook, along with strategic political donations, mended his relationship with the GOP. Meta’s donation of $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee further solidified its support.

Opposition from NetChoice and Conservative Voices

NetChoice spearheaded the tech industry’s opposition to KOSA, arguing that it threatened free speech and empowered bureaucrats to censor conservative voices. Conservative leaders, such as former Sen. Rick Santorum, echoed these concerns.

Bipartisan Efforts and GOP Resistance

Despite bipartisan support, House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers cancelled a planned vote on the House version of KOSA. Subsequent revisions to the bill weakened its provisions, facing criticism from advocates concerned about the mental health risks of social media on children.

Musk’s Endorsement and Meta’s Relative Isolation

While other social media platforms, such as Snapchat and Microsoft, backed KOSA, Zuckerberg and Meta found themselves increasingly isolated in their opposition. Elon Musk’s endorsement of the bill further highlighted Meta’s relative disfavor among supporters of online child safety.

Litigation and Political Donations

The tech industry has consistently challenged similar laws at the state level through lawsuits. Meta has also spent heavily on federal lobbying, including donations to Republicans like Johnson and Scalise.

Meta’s Louisiana Investment and Speaker Johnson’s Sympathy

Meta’s significant investment in Louisiana, including a $10 billion data center, has strengthened its ties with the state. Johnson has expressed sympathy for parents concerned about online content, but ultimately sided with concerns about free speech.

Parents’ Disappointment and Advocacy

Mothers like Maurine Molak, whose son died by suicide after intense cyberbullying, have been disappointed by the lack of progress on KOSA. Despite Johnson’s earlier commitments, they have been unable to secure his support.