OpenAI has endorsed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), reinforcing its commitment to establish AI-specific rules for children’s safety amid ongoing lawsuits surrounding alleged safety lapses in its ChatGPT product. The endorsement coincides with KOSA’s progression, having passed the Senate in 2024 after being introduced in 2022.
KOSA mandates social media companies and online platforms to enhance protections for children. The current version stipulates that social media apps must allow minors to opt out of “addictive” features and algorithmic recommendations. Furthermore, these platforms are required to uphold a “duty of care” to reduce harmful content linked to eating disorders, suicide, and sexual exploitation.
In addition to OpenAI, major companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Snap, and X have also endorsed KOSA. Conversely, the trade group NetChoice, which includes members like Meta, opposes the bill, claiming it could enable censorship without increasing children’s safety online. Privacy and digital rights organizations, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, share similar concerns.
OpenAI believes KOSA serves to complement existing safety measures it has implemented. “We can’t repeat the mistakes made during the rise of social media, when stronger safeguards for teens weren’t put in place until the platforms were already deeply embedded in young people’s lives,” said Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer.
The company is currently facing multiple lawsuits linked to its safety protocols. One lawsuit involves claims of wrongful death filed by the family of a teen who died by suicide after discussing plans with ChatGPT. Another suit has been brought by a family alleging their teen accidentally overdosed on drugs after receiving poor medical advice from the chatbot.
