No to KOSA
I'm messaging you to urge you that say No to KOSA - Kids Online Safety Act. Dozens of LGBTQ+ and civil rights groups agree that KOSA is dangerous and updates to the 2023 version won’t and can’t address the big problems with the bill, which also hands more private data of children to social media platforms.
A message from Congressman Adam Smith:
Dear Claire,
Thank you for contacting me about data privacy. Your civic participation helps me to better represent Washington’s Ninth Congressional District, and I thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this matter.
I strongly support people’s right to privacy online. Modern technology is central to American life and participation in society, and our laws must ensure essential protections for data privacy.
I am concerned about social media platforms collecting large amounts of personal data, using problematic algorithms to manipulate user attention and outrage, and undermining mental health for both children and adults. I believe we need legislation to strengthen online privacy rights, limit how social media companies can employ algorithms and process personal data, and increase investments in mental health programs, staff, and infrastructure.
Data privacy is also essential for safeguarding reproductive rights. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, several states have enacted near-total bans on abortion. In an effort to prosecute women seeking reproductive care, some of these states have started using data from Google, Facebook, health apps, and social media platforms to build legal cases. This is deeply troubling, and Congress must act to strengthen data privacy laws. I was proud to see Washington State enact the nation’s first privacy law intended to protect reproductive and sexual health data—but further action is needed at the federal level.
I am an original cosponsor of the My Body, My Data Act, legislation to limit the collection, retention, and use of personal reproductive and sexual health data. This would help prevent prosecutors and law enforcement from using data from tech companies to monitor and criminally target women. This bill also increases privacy by providing individuals with the right to access, delete, or correct their personal reproductive health data.
Congress has an obligation to uphold privacy and civil liberties. As technology continues to advance, I will continue working in the House to protect and expand protections for data privacy.
The comments I receive from constituents are an integral part of understanding the issues that are important to our community. Please know that your input is greatly valued, and I hope that you will not hesitate to reach out to me or my office in the future.
Sincerely,
Adam Smith
Member of Congress
2264 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-8901
15 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Phone: (425) 793-5180
Fax: (425) 793-5181