House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced concerns regarding the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) during his Tuesday press conference, despite recent backing from Elon Musk. Johnson questioned the bill's potential impact on free speech, particularly for conservative voices, and expressed worry about government censorship. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between protecting children online and upholding free speech principles.

KOSA, a landmark social media reform bill, passed the Senate with overwhelming support but has faced resistance in the House. Concerns center around potential censorship and the authority granted to the Federal Trade Commission. X CEO Linda Yaccarino announced that revisions have been made to address free speech concerns while maintaining online safety for minors. She urged the House to pass the legislation this year.

Over the weekend, prominent figures including Elon Musk, Gov. Sarah Sanders, and Donald Trump Jr. rallied support for KOSA. Musk emphasized the importance of prioritizing children's safety. While Speaker Johnson acknowledged the bill's positive intentions and the efforts behind it, he stressed the importance of getting the legislation right, especially concerning free speech regulations. He suggested the bill might be reintroduced next year if not passed in the current congressional term.

The bill's sponsors, Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, expressed gratitude for Musk and Yaccarino's efforts and believe the revised text addresses concerns about potential censorship. They highlighted the overwhelming congressional support for KOSA. The bill aims to hold social media companies accountable for preventing harm to minors, blocking addictive features, and facilitating data protection for young users.