Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has joined a bipartisan group of 40 attorneys general in urging Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S.1748, to address online harms facing children and teens.
The coalition’s letter highlights growing concerns about the impact of social media platforms’ design features on young users. The attorneys general argue that these features can be addictive and harmful, emphasizing the need for federal action as scrutiny of technology companies increases.
Davenport reiterated her office’s ongoing commitment to protecting children online. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General has previously taken enforcement actions against technology companies targeting minors.
Governor Mikie Sherrill commented, “Big Tech has made billions profiting off addictive features and algorithms that have severe negative mental health consequences for our children. They have hooked an entire generation of kids onto apps that lack basic privacy and safety safeguards, turning what were once promised as platforms for building friendships and staying connected into systems that profit from harm. As a parent, that is unacceptable. As Governor, it is my job to protect the children of our state from online harm and exploitation. I urge Congress to take swift action to better protect our kids online in a way that supports states, because New Jersey will continue to hold anyone who threatens the well-being of our kids accountable.”
Acting Attorney General Davenport added, “As a mom, I understand the grip that social media platforms hold over our children. And as New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer, I am horrified by how the actions of some of our largest tech companies have left kids vulnerable to predators, excessive usage, and more. There is no excuse: Congress must take immediate action to protect our kids online, and it must do so in a way that preserves the authority of states to take action too. I am committed to doing everything in my power to lead the fight for our kids using every tool we’ve got.”
The letter also expresses concern about the House version of KOSA (H.R. 6484), which would override state laws protecting children online by removing provisions requiring companies to prevent harm. The Senate bill does not limit states’ ability to enforce their own protections.
States joining New Jersey include Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio, Tennessee (which sponsored the letter), American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota,Oklahoma,Oregon,Pennsylvania,Rhode Island,South Carolina,South Dakota,Uta,Vermont,U.S.Virgin Islands,and Wyoming.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office plays a key role in enforcing laws across all counties and municipalities in New Jersey while providing legal support statewide. Its responsibilities include public safety oversight and consumer protection initiatives throughout the state.
According to its official website, this office holds authority under its statutory mandate for law enforcement oversight and regulation related matters affecting residents’ lives and property statewide.
